I remember deciding to enroll in Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) retail management program after completing a fashion management program at George Brown College. I was at a crossroads regarding my life and career. I would ask myself, What should I do?
Since I entered a business program, the answer was to find an office job. Fortunately, I was offered a position in TMU’s co-op program, and I knew that throughout my first co-op search, I should aim to snag a position where I could sit at a desk in my own little cubicle and type away.
The first round of interviews was intense. I was getting rejected all over. Every day, I would get an email that read, “I’m sorry, but we have moved on to another candidate.” Eventually, though, I landed my first co-op position: a residence administration position at another university.
At first, I thought that the job in itself was somehow office-like. I had my own desk where I could answer calls and send emails. But in reality, it was more customer service-oriented. I had to attend to guest needs, book rooms, and process transactions. I had a lot of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment—and multitasking was extremely tough.
When I got my second co-op position, I thought I would function better. Why? Because it was actually in an office environment. I got my own cubicle, sat at my own desk, and had my own laptop.
In the beginning, my new position felt like a dream. I felt as if everything was going well and that I would pursue a similar career in the future. But I was way off.
Instead, I recognized that an office environment simply was not for me. I did not like dressing up. I did not enjoy sitting at a desk. And most importantly, I felt like a robot. Work consumed my whole life, and every time I commuted home, I would always wonder and worry about work.
Then, when it came to finding my third co-op position, as a business student, I realized something: my program also has a connection to retail stores, because after all, I am in a retail program.
It was scary, but I took the leap and decided to apply for an art instructor position. Mainly because I enjoyed teaching and instructing children. I reached out to the co-op office about this, and they ultimately approved the position.
The art instructor position is a non-office job, which I do enjoy. But whenever I tell people about it, they respond with, “But don’t you want to work in the office as a business student?”
The reality is that I don’t. Just because most people do, doesn’t mean I have to follow their goals and steps. As a student, I am more than capable of carving my own path and believing in myself.
So if you’re a student who doesn’t want to do what everyone else is doing, that is completely okay. Do what your heart desires, and you will eventually find something that suits you.