Looking Ahead: 2024 Grads Share Tips for NorQuest’s newest alumni

Graduation is a major milestone, but what comes after can feel like uncharted territory. Whether you're stepping into your first job, planning your next move, or just trying to figure things out, you're not alone.

We spoke with four recent grads to hear what life has really been like after finishing their programs. From lessons learned to words of encouragement, they’ve shared honest reflections and practical advice for anyone about to walk the stage. Here's what they want this year’s graduating class to know.

Manjot (Manny) Singh Brar, Energy Management, 2024

Since graduating, Manny has been riding a wave of momentum. He secured a job in his field even before convocation which kick-started his professional life. Now, he’s preparing to begin his Bachelor’s studies, determined to keep building on that foundation.

Looking back, Manny says he wishes someone had told him it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. “Clarity comes with experience,” he reflects. “Every opportunity, big or small, helps shape your path.”

When it comes to starting your first job, his advice is to stay curious and ask questions. “It’s not just about proving yourself,” he says. “It’s about growing into the professional you’re meant to become.”

To stay focused after graduation, Manny set both short- and long-term goals. Celebrating small wins helped him keep his momentum, especially during tougher moments. He also leaned on a strong support system and stayed open to learning, both from successes and from setbacks.

For new grads who feel uncertain about their next steps, Manny offers encouragement rooted in his own experience as an international student. “It’s completely normal to feel uncertain — confidence comes with experience, not all at once,” he says. “Take things one step at a time. Trust the process. You’ve already proven your resilience.”

His one small but powerful tip? Start volunteering in your field to build experience, connections, and confidence. “It opens doors to new opportunities, provides a sense of purpose, and expands your network in ways that may not be possible through traditional job-searching,” Manny says. “It’s a powerful way to make an impact while growing your career.”

Jobelle Palma Bacaoco, Energy Management, 2024

As an Energy Management graduate, Jobelle didn’t have to wait long to launch her career. Her co-op placement set things in motion, leading straight into a full-time role after graduation. Since then, she’s embraced the learning curve, picking up new skills on the job and even taking the initiative to teach herself new software to keep growing professionally.

Looking back on the transition from student to full-time employee, Jobelle says she wishes someone had told her it’s okay not to have everything figured out. “Career paths take time,” she says. “And as an international student, it’s easy to feel pressure, but important skills are learned on the job, not just in class.” While she values her academic achievements, she also stresses that grades alone aren’t enough. “Networking can open doors that grades alone can’t. But we can't rely solely on others, it’s up to us to take action and shape our own future.”

Her advice for new grads stepping into the workforce? “Be reliable and consistent, show up on time, meet deadlines, and be someone your team can count on. It’s okay not to know everything right away, so focus on learning, growing, and asking for help when needed.”

Staying motivated hasn’t always been easy, but Jobelle’s drive for long-term stability kept her focused. “Coming from a family that wasn’t well-off, I knew I had to work hard to create a stable and comfortable life. I didn’t want to settle for living with financial uncertainty; I wanted to build a career that not only provided financially but also gave me a sense of purpose.”

To grads who feel unsure about what’s next, Jobelle offers perspective and encouragement: “When I graduated, I was stressing out about having a perfect plan, but I soon realized that wasn’t realistic. Instead of having everything figured out, I focused on taking things one step at a time. Confidence comes with time, and sometimes you just have to keep going, even if it’s messy”

And for one small but impactful step every new grad can take? “Keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile updated is key. This way, you’ll be ready for future opportunities and show that you’re actively investing in your professional growth.”

Kemi Bankole, Child and Youth Care, 2024

Kemi graduated from NorQuest determined to make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent children; and even in the short time since graduation, she’s already doing just that. After completing her practicums, she was hired by her placement organization and now works every day with children with autism, FASD, and ADHD. As NorQuest’s 2024 President’s Medal winner, Kemi brings the same high standards to her work as she did to her studies, and only four months into the job, she was promoted to Team Lead.

If she could offer her past self one reminder, it would be to trust the process and take it one day at a time. “The pressure of wanting to succeed can sometimes be detrimental,” Kemi says. “But you don’t have to know everything or have it all figured out all at once.”

That attitude has helped her thrive in her first job. Her advice to others starting out? Stay teachable. “Be open to learning (it doesn’t end at graduation), seek constructive feedback and engage in reflective practice,” she says. “These allow you to grow and build confidence for bigger responsibilities.”

Even with challenges, Kemi stays motivated by keeping her purpose in focus. “Knowing I am making a difference in the lives of the children and youth I work with makes it all worthwhile and keeps me going. It’s important to identify a reason or purpose to one’s job and work towards achieving that purpose. For me it’s a powerful fuel for success.”

To grads who feel uncertain about what comes next, Kemi offers simple but empowering advice: “I will borrow from Nike’s slogan created by Dan Wieden in 1988 and say, “Just Do It!” Uncertainty is a part of life, however, be open to new opportunities, as a simple step taken can open doors of growth and amazing possibilities.”

And her one practical tip is to have your resume constantly updated and current. “A rushed resume when an opportunity knocks on the door leaves room for errors and may see you forgetting important details,” she explains. “Preparing your resume in advance means you put good thoughts into creating a clear and compelling resume, leaving you confident and ready to take on the world!

Aizza Abria, Business Administration - Human Resources, 2024

For Aizza, life after graduation has been a journey of growth, balance, and transformation. As an international student, returning to the workforce while managing family responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but it’s been profoundly meaningful. “The challenges have been greater, but so have the lessons,” she says. Navigating a new country, raising a family, and building a career all at once has reshaped her in ways she never expected, personally, professionally, and emotionally.

Aizza’s transition into the workforce began during her third academic term, when she was offered a full-time position by her co-op employer. That experience led to landing her current role at the University of Alberta. But her learning journey didn’t stop at graduation, and she quickly set her sights on continuing her professional development and recently earned her Registered Professional Recruiter designation as the next step in her professional journey.

Looking back, Aizza wishes someone had reminded her that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. “Growth doesn’t stop at graduation,” she says. “Your path may take unexpected (and even better) turns.”

To those stepping into their first jobs, she offers this encouragement: “Believe in yourself. You’re where you are for a reason. Even if you feel unsure, remember that growth often begins where comfort ends.” For Aizza, showing up with curiosity and faith has made all the difference.

When motivation wavered, it was her family—and her own personal goals—that kept her grounded. “In moments when I felt overwhelmed or unmotivated, I reminded myself of how far I’d already come. I may still have a long way to go, but I know that I’ve taken meaningful steps forward. That perspective kept me grounded and inspired, knowing I’m now living what I once only hoped for.”

And if a new grad is feeling uncertain about what’s next? That’s okay. “Confidence isn’t a prerequisite — it grows with experience. Just take one step at a time, stay open to learning, and trust that clarity comes through doing, not waiting.”

As for one small habit that can have a lasting impact, Aizza suggests this: “Practice gratitude. Even on hard days. It shifts your mindset from pressure to progress, which can make all the difference in the long run.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2025

The NorQuest Alumni Network is honoured to welcome you as NorQuest alumni, and we are excited to see what you achieve next.

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