Hello Darlings, After 20 courses, 4 languages, 4 internships, 1 specialist — I finally finished my degree and this week attended my University of Toronto convocation as part of St. Michael’s College. Although I finished my courses last year, I delayed my convocation until this summer, and could not have asked for a more beautiful day t0 share with my family and friends.
While sitting in Convocation Hall and listening to the University president discuss our great achievement, I began thinking what exactly these fancy diplomas will do for us graduates. With the spiel about University of Toronto being one of the twenty best universities in the world, I was pondering that something like 1 in 2 recent graduates are unemployed. In my own case, while already in a career it still has little to do with what I studied! So with tens of thousands of dollars spent on my degree, and even more time spent on internships and working — I became a professional blogger and a business owner.
I was determined to complete a specialist program in architecture/art history, a program that accepts about twenty students a year and is primarily intended for those who plan to complete a PhD. The program was enjoyable despite being rigorous and also requires two languages. While completing the specialist, I worked part-time as a research assistant for three years, was a student editor of a textbook, completed an internship at Sotheby’s Auction House and at University of Toronto Art Center. I loved my program and was looking forward to completing Sotheby’s Business of Arts Masters.
It turns out that things do not always work out according to plan, because during my third year and three days before my December final exams I was in a car accident. I suffered a severe concussion and number of complications, so while my final two years were hard, I was able to finish my degree.
However, as my blog began to gain a larger following and various companies began to approach me to do projects for them, I decided to give my social media career a try full-time. Soon after finishing my courses, I applied for a government grant for young entrepreneurs which I received in August 2011. After receiving the grant and some business training, WithLoveGabrille.com seemingly became a real business, and thus I had a career that never could be imagined when applying to university.
As I shook hands with the university dignitaries on stage and received my diploma, I felt lucky to have taken a career path that inspires me. I do not regret completing my specialist, but just the same think that universities could better prepare students to apply their degrees to an actual career.
I AM WEARING: Talula Babaton Shift Dress // Prada Peep-Top Pumps // Kate Spade New Bond Street Sawyer // YSL Arty Ring
I hope that those who attend university do apply their degree in establishing a career. I hope that all of my fellow graduates find their place in a workforce and that the years spent on studying are not only seen on a diploma but are felt in a work place.
I am curious to know, what did you study/studying ? What are you doing now or plan to pursue?
With Love…
Marta
Congratulations Marta! you look beautiful in your photos
and I’m sorry you had such a horrible accident!
I studied Human Biology Specialist at University of Toronto, and am now doing a professional degree in Nuclear Medicine at the same university and planning on going to medical school. I know what you mean about the degree. With a biology bachelors you really can’t do much you have to continue with education. Either a masters or a professional degree!!
xx
Well you know my story
Pretty much same goes for me. You’re a tough cookie! Congrats 
Lovely dress and lovely post, Marta! I’m so happy that you managed to find a career that makes you happy!
I studied massage therapy, but I didn’t get very far. After a conversation with the program coordinator and the teacher of the class I was failing, I finally realized that it was not the career for me. I left the program and tried for several months to get a job. I eventually got a job in over the phone computer repairs, but that only lasted about six months as I could not take the stress and exhaustion. I then got a job at a retail store, but that didn’t more than three months. Just recently, a little used book store hired me, but it’s not something that I am as passionate about as what I have in mind.
A few months ago, DAVIDsTEA retweeted a blog post, and I discovered the Tea Association of Canada’s Tea Sommelier program. I was amazed that such a program existed, dedicated to something that I have always loved and always cheers me up! So, with some saving and planning, I hope to take the Tea Sommelier program in Ottawa and become a licensed Tea Sommelier. When I complete the program, I hope to work in a tea shop and do my own blog! I already have some experience with Squarespace, a blog/website builder with hosting and I am taking free online classes at Course Hero in their Web Developer program (so I can do custom CSS, HTML and JavaScript for my blog, if it’s needed)! I am very excited to be on the road to making this goal, this new dream, a reality!
Well, first of all congratulations to your remarkable accomplishment.
Im currently studying management information systems at ryerson but like you said “things do not always work out according to plan” So I was studying computer engineering back home and when i came to canada in 2008 language was a huge barrier to me ( still ) adding the fact univesity is challenge i need to deal with language barriers as well.
After i graduate i would like to get an entry level developer job and then move to consulting firms like accenture or deloitte and being an entrepreneur part-time, eventually become a full-time entrepreneur
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Congratulations Martha!!!! How exciting. I know what you mean, I graduated and have my degree in Business Administration but I’m now working in Insurance. It’s ok but at least it pays the bills and huge student loan :/
Congratulations Martha! Great post and it proves how various the roads in life can be. Sorry to hear about the accident and glad to see how strong your willpower is.
I’ve got two degrees (international business and business performance management (terminated at thesis stage though) including SixSigma certification); my career covers these areas, shifting more and more into communication and project management sides. Sounds far from fashion, right? Actually lots of business/management things can be used while blogging
and that is my hobby right now during maternity leave.
You’re inspirational and doing a great thing, good luck with your project!
Hugs from Denmark
Congrats! I guess it must feel wonderful! I just finished My program, I have studied to become a psychologist for 5 years, extraworking at a bank. I have actually been offered a job already, I am so happy -celebrating with champagne this monday evening! I love your blog, live in Sweden -keep continuing blogging like you do -its inspiring!
Love Elin
Congratulations Marta! Your story is very inspiring, and speaks to the power of creativity and determination.
I actually just finished my first year at the University of Toronto, at St. Michael’s College as well! I’m planning on doing a double major in Criminology and English, as well as a minor in Philosophy, then some grad school.
Again, congrats on graduating! All the best with your future endeavours!
Went to centennial college received my office administration certificate in July 2011 between then and now i have worked p/t at a realty agency for the summer, volunteer once or twice at conquer cancer, this past x-mas worked as a gift wrapper for Williams Sonoma and currently a p/ volunteer receptionist at the Etobicoke Humane society. But i still haven’t found what I’m looking for and i feel that people in the Business world of Reception/Admin are way too picky i hiring people, and it’s all about who you know and they only hire within there company and i have no connections. Right I’m sending my resumes to retail and restaurants.