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Working Abroad Speaker Panel

Jan 21, 2020 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM
CC-101, Career Centre, 192 King St. N., Waterloo

Registration Deadline: Jan 21, 2020 05:00 PM

Attending this event is a great way to learn about potential career options to work outside of Canada and expand your professional network. Join us as we welcome panelists who will speak about their experiences and the international elements of their careers in business, education, government, and not-for-profit. They will also offer valuable advice to those looking to gain experience in international fields.

The panel is followed by networking with the speakers and an international opportunities fair. 

Panelists include:
Laura Dowding (BA '08), Director, Services and Community Engagement, ACCESS Employment

  • Laura has over ten years of international experience, having focused her career in the international development, humanitarian, and community and social services sectors. Through her work in remote refugee camps in Thailand, post-conflict communities in Myanmar and with non-governmental entities across Europe, she is equipped with technical skills in the areas of project management, research and writing for program development and advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder and community engagement. Now working in Toronto, Canada, she continues to work to build inclusive communities where vulnerable and marginalized populations have access to quality services.
Graham Folkema (BA '04), Founder/Director/Producer, Folkstar Productions; Professor of TV and Film, Conestoga College
  • Graham Folkema is an award-winning filmmaker and producer. His work has appeared in broadcasts and festivals around the world including Amazon Prime, Bell Media, Shanghai Media Group, National Screen Institute of Canada and the History Channel. Presently, Graham splits his time as a professor of TV and Film at Conestoga College, while also creating TV and films by working with potential companies as well as investors on co-production opportunities. As the founder of Folkstar Productions, Graham oversees the business and creation of all film, digital media and television content. Graham holds a BA with Honours from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MA in Business Relations from Concordia University Irvine. 
Simrat Mand (MBA '08), Director, Social Impact, LIFT Philanthropy Partners
  • Sim is currently part of the social impact team at LIFT and supports the capacity building and scaling of social purpose organizations in Canada to affect meaningful and measurable impact. Prior to joining LIFT, Sim worked with Plan Canada based in Toronto, an international development organization focused on improving the quality of life for children, families and communities around the world. Working in over 13 countries in Africa, Sim designed, managed, monitored and supported capacity building across a number of initiatives in education, youth and women's economic empowerment, microfinance and child protection. Sim previously worked with MEDA in Waterloo, which builds business solutions to poverty, in countries across Africa and Asia, where she developed and implemented programs with small entrepreneurs to improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty. Sim has a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University and a Master of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jennifer Neal (BA '11, MA '13), Talent Acquisition Co-ordinator, Sephora
  • At the beginning of 2013, Jennifer moved to South Korea to teach English for a year. What started as a year ended up being five years of teaching, learning, exploring, and professional development. In late 2017, upon returning home to Canada, wanting to pursue a new career and a new challenge, Jennifer completed a post-graduate certificate from Sheridan College in Human Resources Management. Jennifer completed her co-op placement at The Beer Store where she contributed to the company's culture & engagement and diversity & inclusion efforts. Jennifer is currently working in Talent Acquisition at Sephora Canada. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Film Studies and Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Abner Pennings (BBA '15), Manager, Commercial Agriculture, TD
  • While at Laurier, Abner completed the Co-op Option with a focus on international business. Through his co-op placements, he worked in the insurance industry, IT operations and tech sales for a start-up company. After graduation, Abner accepted a 4-month contract position based in South Africa as a Junior Sustainability Consultant, which was later extended. In this position, he completed research projects and in-person audits for company sustainability. Upon his return to Canada, Abner joined the Commercial Banking division of TD Bank focusing in Agriculture. After passing the associate program, he was posted as an Analyst writing commercial loan deals for companies throughout Southwestern Ontario. After a year, he was promoted to his current role in Elmira. As an Account Manager, he structures and sells commercial loan deals while trying to grow market share for TD Bank.
Jared Stryker (BA '16), Outreach Co-ordinator, University of Waterloo
  • After a year-long high school exchange program to Japan, Jared pursued global engagement opportunities through a BA in Global Studies at Laurier. During his time at Laurier, he volunteered with Laurier International as a Global Engagement Ambassador, was the first Laurier student to study abroad in Chongqing, China and presented discussions on the benefits of studying abroad for Laurier and Rotary International. After graduating, he spent a year in Korea teaching English to elementary students before returning to Canada. Jared currently works with Univerisity of Waterloo's Engineering Outreach department as an Outreach Coordinator where he focuses on making STEM-based learning opportunities more accessible to youth in local, rural, and indigenous communities.

Please bring your OneCard to this event.

We are committed to providing inclusive programs and services to all students and alumni. Please contact us if you require accommodation for a disability.

Each year, the Career Centre hosts a number of speaker panels covering various themes. Attend panels to gain information and advice about a range of careers you may not have previously considered!

2019-20 Speaker Series:  
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