Are you navigating a new job search? Thinking about next steps, whether that means advancing in your current career path or finding another? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for some inspiration from successful professionals who have excelled in their careers? Either way, this session is for you.
Join a panel of experienced HR professionals and hiring managers to learn about their unique career journeys, including pivotal moments, challenges and the decisions that shaped their paths. You’ll gain both inspiration and practical guidance as panelists answer common questions about breaking into the workforce, navigating career uncertainty, building skills and confidence and standing out in today’s job market.
Leave with fresh perspectives, honest insights and actionable advice to help you take your next career steps with clarity and confidence.
Elaine Chow Baker, MSc’09 (she/her)
Operations Manager, Centre for Career and Personal Development, UCalgary
With 15 years of progressive leadership experience supporting institutional operations, Elaine is dedicated to building collaborative, high-performing teams and delivering complex projects successfully. Alongside her Master of Science from UCalgary, she also holds a Master of Business Administration, as well as a Project Management Professional designation. Elaine supports learners to recognize new possibilities, grow professionally and contribute their talents in purposeful ways.
Shahir Jinnah, BComm'17 (he/him)
Director of Recruitment, Grid Group
Shahir has been in the recruitment industry since 2017 and has worked in a wide range of senior- and director-level roles that focus on information technology, oil and gas, management consulting, and more. He graduated from UCalgary’s Haskayne School of Business, specializing in business technology management. As director of recruitment at Grid Group, he spearheads recruitment delivery and business development, overseeing the full candidate and client experience.
Diana Khadem, BA’00 (she/her)
Lead Consultant, HRPR Global
After graduating with BA in communications from UCalgary, Diana went on to earn a Master of Arts in international and organizational conflict resolution. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources as well as a Registered Professional Recruiter, and has worked as an HR director, manager and corporate recruiter. Diana is currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate in social transformation at Willamette University in Chicago, where she is exploring how to tackle bullying (specifically microaggressions) in the workplace through human capacity building.
Wayne Thai, BSc'00, BEd'02 (he/him)
Job Developer and Employment Specialist
Wayne is an experienced employment specialist and community connector with more than six years of career advising and job-development expertise. He supports diverse job seekers, including those facing barriers to employment, by combining labour-market insight with practical coaching strategies. Known for his engaging workshops and strong employer partnerships, Wayne excels at connecting people, ideas and opportunities. His background in education, community leadership and consulting allows him to guide individuals toward meaningful and sustainable career paths.
Andrea Christensen, BEd’99 (she/her)
Associate Director, Alumni Programs, Career & Personal Development, UCalgary
Andrea works with Alumni Engagement at UCalgary where she supports alumni in all stages of their career and wellness journeys. She has worked in various roles within career development and education, and her experience spans that of a school teacher, program manager, school board liaison, business owner, mom and more. She is a Certified Career Development Professional and truly enjoys helping others at different points in their career journey, whether it be to discover their value, find meaningful work, support career pivots or work out next steps.