How can a six-week program transform a student's career path, and what role does mentorship play in preparing them for the future? In this two-part blog series, we delve into these questions from both sides of a Career | Fit Professional Experience Program (Career | Fit PEP), generously supported by RBC FutureLaunch.
In the first part below, we speak with Gina Quan, a participant in Fintech and the Rise of Digital Assets with RBC Mentors last July. She shares her journey of personal and professional growth, discussing the practical skills, career insights, and confidence she gained to thrive in an evolving job market. The second part features insights from a Career | Fit program mentor, Kiki Oyerinde, Associate Director at RBC, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of mentorship and how it benefits both mentees and mentors.
By exploring both perspectives, you'll gain a complete understanding of the program’s transformative power and how targeted mentorship and real-world experience can empower youth with the skills and confidence needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Student Gina Quan’s Story of Growth and Learning
Navigating the complexities of the job market can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to find your place as an Asian-identifying individual in a competitive landscape. For Gina Quan, a fourth-year student at York University and a recent participant in an ABMP Career | Fit PEP, the journey to career success has been about building confidence, developing key skills, and bridging to the future.
Gina, who is pursuing an honours bachelor of arts with a double major in Statistics and Math Education, joined the "Fintech and the Rise of Digital Assets" program to extend her statistical background into the emerging field of financial technology. "I wanted to broaden my understanding of how technology intersects with finance, particularly in fintech," Gina explains. The program helped her see how her skills could be applied in non-traditional sectors, giving her insights into blockchain technology and sharpening her soft skills. "I learned to present a business idea in a limited time, which taught me to prioritize the most important information and communicate efficiently."
One of the biggest challenges Gina faced was understanding blockchain technology, which initially felt overwhelming. However, by breaking down the concepts methodically, she was able to grasp the material. This experience reinforced the value of perseverance and structured problem-solving—skills that will be useful in any professional setting.
The mentorship from RBC professionals was a significant highlight of the program. The mentors provided real-world insights into the financial industry and fintech, helping Gina see how adaptable her skills are across different industries. "The mentorship aspect was invaluable. It gave me the confidence to start seeking out networking opportunities on my own." This experience has already had a tangible impact—Gina has begun proactively setting up coffee chats to expand her professional network.
“Career Fit gave me the tools to overcome my self-doubt. It taught me how to leverage my experience effectively, and it made me feel like I truly belong in this industry.”
Gina also had the opportunity to work on a realistic project, collaborating with a team to develop a marketing strategy for a local non-profit. Applying her knowledge in a practical setting allowed her to understand the importance of diverse viewpoints in problem-solving. "We all came from different fields and had different experiences, which enriched the project," she reflects.
For Gina, the most important takeaway from the program was a renewed sense of confidence. "Career Fit gave me the tools to overcome my self-doubt. It taught me how to leverage my experience effectively, and it made me feel like I truly belong in this industry." The program also opened up new career possibilities she hadn’t previously considered, such as roles that blend technology and education, including fintech education or student recruitment strategies promoting digital literacy.
Gina's advice to other students considering a Career | Fit PEP? "Try anything! Even if you don’t think you’ll go into fintech or finance, the program allows you to explore new fields. You might like it or hate it, but either way, it’s a valuable experience that helps you find your direction." She encourages students to take full advantage of the mentorship and networking opportunities, as the connections made can lead to future career possibilities. Gina’s story is just one of many successes to come out of our Career | Fit PEP series, and it’s clear that the support from RBC FutureLaunch is making a meaningful difference. For students like Gina, the program is about more than just learning—it’s about growing, building confidence, and finding a place in a rapidly evolving job market.