Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

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A critical goal of the Master of Financial Risk Management (MFRM) program is to fast track the careers of our students. To accomplish this, we developed a holistic suite of career services that is integral to our curriculum. Heading this initiative is Carolyn Wright, Assistant Director of career services. Let’s see what you can expect from our careers team as a student in the program.

Hello Carolyn! Thank you for meeting with us. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Absolutely!

I’ve worked at the University of Toronto for a number of years now in career services. In fact, in my most recent role, I had similar responsibilities. I helped students completing a professional degree from the beginning to end: from career exploration all the way through to helping them secure employment placements.

I’m also a graduate of the University of Toronto, where I obtained my Master of Education in Adult Education and Community Development, specializing in Workplace Learning & Social Change. The practical framework that I’ve put together to help MFRM students in their career exploration and job search is based upon my experiences and knowledge of the latest career services frameworks.

What do you find exciting in your role as the Assistant Director of Career Services for the MFRM program?

I think that the MFRM program is particularly exciting because it is a program that is focused on providing students practical skills – in addition to cutting edge financial risk management knowledge – for in-demand jobs. In this role I get to develop new services for students who are looking for careers in financial risk management.

I’m excited to work with such eager and talented students; I want to make sure that they reach their potential by helping them stay on track. Throughout the year I work hard to connect with our industry partners to explore their opportunities and what they are looking for in our graduates.

Can you give us a snapshot of the career services framework you’ve created for MFRM students?

There are four main areas in our framework: Prepare, Connect, Focus, and Launch. Each area encompasses different steps of the career exploration journey.

Graphic of career framework used for MFRM students

Prepare

We start with “Prepare” to help students develop self-awareness and learn what kinds of financial risk management jobs match their particular interests and talents. We then help them develop their “pitch” and professional resume to be ready to network.

Connect

This is when we move to the next step “Connect.” Networking is an essential piece of the career exploration journey because it can help students learn about others’ careers and create connections for potential future opportunities.

Focus

The next step is to “Focus.” To be successful in the job search, students need to develop a clear and targeted strategy. This will help them when filling out applications, during the interview process and once they receive an offer.

Launch

Finally, during the “Launch” step, the career services team will help students develop long-term strategies for sustainable career success. After all, getting the job is just the first step into feeling fulfillment in your career.

What would you say is an overarching theme throughout the whole process?

Professionalism, definitely. Given that the MFRM is an intensive 8-month program, we make sure students spend some time throughout the whole program preparing for their careers. I believe that professionalism is a key characteristic because students need to demonstrate their professional acumen from the moment they develop their pitch to the moment they enter the workplace and start connecting with their colleagues.

How will students be able to access all the resources you’ve put together?

We have actually developed 24/7 resources through our MFRM Career Services website, which will be accessible through the Rotman Student Portal for students who are enrolled in the program. In this website, students will be able to find resources on how to put together their pitch. They’ll also find resume templates and other online tools for interview and networking prep. Aside from that, my goal is to provide one-on-one career coaching with each MFRM student so that we can create an individualized strategy together and make sure they reach their career goals.

What other exciting opportunities will be available to MFRM students?

Aside from Global Risk Institute Speaker Series where we’ll hear from industry experts, we will have career services workshops throughout the year and networking events with other Rotman alumni working in financial risk management. These will be great opportunities for students to connect with people working in their desired fields. The student presentations at the end of their Risk Management Project are also key in helping them develop strong connections for potential job opportunities with our industry partners.

That sounds great Carolyn! Any final thoughts or word of advice to our incoming students?

Have your resumes ready over the summer! We’ll get started right away on our career services framework, so make sure you are not only prepared to engage in the classroom but are also ready to use all the resources we have prepared for you. We are all very excited to meet you and work with you throughout the next 8 months!


The Master of Financial Risk Management is a full time program designed to prepare ambitious young professionals for careers in risk management and finance.

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