P.S. Talks

What makes a great marketer, and a great leader? We asked UTSC Management alumnus and best-selling author Adam Rodricks (BBA 2010), who built a dynamic marketing career—and just published his first book—with personal branding at the core. On this podcast, Adam shares his lived experience and advice for future leaders, including how business can be taught through storytelling, what it means to adapt on the fly, and why rejection doesn't need to be a reflection of self-worth.

On this must-listen episode, Philip and Stephanie sit down with Vanshika Agarwal—UTSC Management Co-op Student of the Year—to reflect upon her journey at the University of Toronto Scarborough, how she found the courage to build a self-starter mindset, and what she discovered about leadership through co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) along the way.

Do you worry about saying the right thing at the right time? Would you rather ask a question verbally or type it online? Listen in as Philip and Stephanie share tips to help you communicate with confidence.

If you're unsure about what happens on a work term site visit then this episode is for you! Listen in as Philip and Stephanie visit Management Co-op student Christine and her manager Conrad at FISPAN—an innovative fintech company—to chat about how the work term is going.

On this extremely special episode guest-starring Management Co-op students Mojolaoluwa, Shivani, Han, and Joaquim, we talk about adapting to university from high school and explore our shared values and goals for the 2021/22 school year at U of T Scarborough. Spoiler alert: Management students are brilliant (as if you didn't already know that...)!

Do you ever feel pressured to look or act a certain way? Have you struggled with perfectionism, depression, or fear of acceptance? You are not alone. On this episode, UTSC graduate Feral (Co-op BBA 2013) guides us on a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement to help you learn and love who you truly are—and carve a rewarding career path along the way. (Note: This podcast contains material that is very personal in nature. If you need help, please visit uoft.me/support-links. Listener discretion is advised.)

Are you entering your first year in the Management program? Have questions about how to make a smooth and successful transition to university from high school? You are not alone! On this episode, meet Bobbi McFarlane, Management's very own First-Year Program Advisor, who guides you through the resources and support available to UTSC students as they launch their BBA journey. Spoiler alert: Bobbi is UTSC graduate, too!

What does it really mean to be an entrepreneur? On this episode, Management Professor Bill McConkey (Academic Director, The BRIDGE New Venture Program) takes you inside UTSC's innovative business ecosystem powered by wisdom, resilience, and empathy.

So you want to be a rock star? Just learn how to play an instrument, write a catchy song, find a producer to put it all together, and voilà! It sounds simple, but… does that mean it's easy? Join Philip and Stephanie as they dissect the notion of simplicity versus ease, providing real-life examples and best practices to help you become a co-op rock star in your own right!

Admit it: have you been procrastinating on your work-term project? Ever wondered why the Management Co-op office assigns you a work-term project in the first place? Join Philip and Stephanie, with special guest Malcolm Billing, as they reveal how work-term projects are designed to elevate your communication and analytical skills—and help give you a competitive advantage in the job market. Spoiler alert: Malcolm has evaluated hundreds of work-term projects over the years, so you don't want to miss his pro tips for success!

Do you ever dictate your day to be good or bad because of what happens in the morning, or according to the weather? Are you likely to make decisions based on your short-term outlook without factoring in your long-term goals? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they advise you to step back and consider how the bigger picture can impact your daily life and your career journey.

What role does workplace culture play in your co-op? Understanding an organization's values (and how they align with your own) can help you find meaning and success at work beyond salary. In this episode, Philip and Stephanie offer their advice when it comes to earning C.A.S.H.—that is, how to navigate your career journey based on the Challenge, Advancement, Support, and with Honesty.

Nervous about your work-term site visit? Unsure about what types of questions you will be asked? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they guide you through the steps to prepare for your site visit and build meaningful connections with your manager along the way!

Have you ever wondered how Management Co-op looked in the “old days”? What do you think has changed or stayed the same in terms of seeking work? In this episode, Philip and Stephanie unfold the UTSC history book with special guests Bobbi McFarlane and Mary Vecchio from the Department of Management to reflect on the students, spaces, and systems that have defined co-op through the years.

Are you starting to seek work for your upcoming co-op term? Have you ever felt like you are not good enough when reading job descriptions? You are not alone. Join Philip and Stephanie as they guide you through the steps to overcome your insecurities and harness your greatest growth.

Do you know the difference between hearing and listening? Are you struggling in networking events to connect with employers? If so, join Philip and Stephanie as they uncover the secrets to becoming an effective listener, a memorable networker, and a lifelong learner.

The summer semester is here, but fall is in the air! How can you be successful when pursuing a fall work term? What's different about fall seeking compared to other cycles? In this episode, Philip and Stephanie go over what you need to know about double-speed courses, time management (are you a procrastinator?), and the importance of planning ahead. Spoiler alert: this is essential listening to accelerate your job search!

Have you ever wondered how this podcast gets made? Meet Ananya, a second-year student in the Management Co-op program, who just wrapped up her stellar co-op work term with the Department of Management! As the producer of P.S. Talks Co-op—and the incoming VP of Marketing at the Women in Business Association (WIBA)—Ananya reflects on what brought her to U of T Scarborough and how much she's learned about confidence, communication, and channeling her entrepreneurial spirit.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? Do cats belong on leashes? On this special de-stressor episode, Philip and Stephanie debate these “controversial” topics and reflect upon the conclusion of the winter term. (Make sure you listen until the end to find out what ingredients might go on the official Management pizza!)

Where will your BBA degree take you? For Hilori Kaloti, Director of Talent Management at Hershey and a 2010 graduate of the Management Co-op program, the journey from U of T Scarborough has been inspired by helping others achieve their highest potential. In this episode, Hilori shares her top networking tips for job seekers, what motivated her to pursue a career in human resources, and why inclusion is key to innovation. Spoiler alert: this episode might make you crave s'mores!

You're starting a new job in a brand new place. How do you begin on the right foot? What are the best practices for an in-person work setting compared to a virtual office? Which initial questions can you ask to gain information and demonstrate your interest, without looking clueless? Join Philip and Stephanie as they guide you through the steps to make a positive impression from your very first day at work!

What does RBC stand for? A flagship partner of Management Co-op since 2001, the Royal Bank of Canada was named our Dr. Jon Dellandrea Award winner—the highest recognition offered to employers of Management Co-op students at U of T Scarborough—for the 2020/21 academic year by demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to student success. On this episode, RBC recruiter Griff Dias offers his pro tips for students seeking a dynamic career in financial services.

As a BBA student, you're no stranger to navigating the (often stressful) process of creating stellar applications for many different jobs. Have you asked yourself, “How can I make this resume better? Does my cover letter need to be rewritten? Are these documents even good enough?” In this episode, Philip and Stephanie deconstruct the notion of perfection and discuss strategies to boost your productivity—and your confidence—when seeking.

“I strive to build pathways for other students of colour. I have done this by leading the change,” says CiQuinya Morton (BBA candidate 2021), the first University of Toronto student to be named the national Co-op Student of the Year by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. In this episode, CiQuinya takes us on her personal journey from Saint Kitts to Scarborough and reflects upon what she's learned about leadership through co-op, community, and courage.

Misinformation. Fake news! Where do you find it, and why do people fall for it? On this episode, Mariana Jardim, Management's very own Liaison Librarian, provides her tips and resources to help you seek out trustworthy information in the “post-truth” world. Spoiler alert: this episode will equip you with critical skills every job seeker should know about.

You're sure to have gone through the feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and fear right before an interview or class presentation. Every possible scenario goes racing through your mind while the constant pressure of having to perform weighs down on you—and sometimes you might leave the interview feeling like you didn't do that great. How do you transform negative feelings into positive thoughts? In this episode, we discuss the idea of celebrating your incremental successes, so you can go from being nervous to owning your purpose.

Is there an advantage to completing your co-op work terms across different job functions and industries, compared to focusing in one specific area? How will your approach to learning shape your short- and long-term career goals? In this episode, we explore what it means to be focused, flexible, or both!

In today's employment landscape, networking is essential. It can spark job leads, create business opportunities, and enhance your lifelong learning. In many careers, success can be measured on your ability to build meaningful relationships. This week, we sit down with Sischa Maharaj, Assistant Director of External Relations and Communications in the Department of Management, to chat about best practices in networking. If you are struggling to start those conversations, don't worry: Sischa believes you already possess the tools you need to become an outstanding networker!

What's something all job seekers are navigating right now? Virtual interviews, of course! In this week's episode, Philip and Stephanie cover important tips (and pitfalls) to help elevate your confidence and enhance your virtual interviewing performance.

Are you stressed about securing a work term? Maybe it's your first time seeking and you're looking for guidance? In this episode, we interview Sumedha, a fourth-year Management Co-op student, about her employment journey. You'll gain tips on how to handle the stress of seeking and be successful in your job search!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Maybe not? This episode we talk about how to deal with the Winter Blahs, how to cope with the post-Christmas months and tips to say healthy and active!

The official podcast for Management Co-op students at U of T Scarborough, hosted by Philip Brown and Stephanie Panou from the co-op team! Master a motivational mindset and supercharge your job-search strategy with tips, best practices, special guest interviews, and innovative ideas to enhance your university experience. Have an idea or a question about the podcast? DM us on Instagram @utscmgmt