Finding your passion was the theme of this year's NetTalks held Nov. 5, 2014 at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre on the Acadia campus.

NetTalks is an annual event that brings a panel of alumni back to Acadia to speak to current students about their chosen career path from the time they left Acadia to where they are now. “Some of these stories are unique,” says event organizer Michelle Johnson, Acadia's Career Development Specialist. “Alumni can offer students a different perspective on what they can do with their degree.”

NetTalks also gives students an opportunity to network with professionals in their field of study. “Just because you are on a path now doesn't mean that you have to stay on it, or that it won't change,” Johnson says.

Participant Brandon Mosher ('08) agrees. “There is no logical next step after you graduate,” he says. “You don't have to go on a certain path, but can think outside the box about what you want to do. Create the box. Drive that round peg into a square hole,” Mosher says.

The most important thing is to find your passion. “Drive toward what you are passionate about,” he adds. “Think about what you love about your academic and social experiences and build on that.”

Cindy James ('87) agrees. She told students that they need to be prepared to take risks. “Follow your passion, and you can't lose!”

Deepashri Pushkarna ('11) says not to get discouraged when going for what you are passionate about. “Sometimes it will take a lot of time and effort to find a career you want in a location where you want to be,” she says.

In the meantime, you might have to take a few less attractive jobs to gain the experience and meet people who can connect you with right people to move you forward, says Nancy Handrigan ('92).

Find a mentor, build networks

Finding a mentor or building networks with other Acadia alumni is a great place to begin. James recommends that students start cultivating those relationships now. Connections could be with fellow students, faculty or through a sport or club. “Continue to maintain relationships and never be shy to call on these relationships as you build your career. I have never been refused help by fellow alumni no matter what year they graduated. The bond is currency – use it,” she says.

At Acadia, this also means taking advantage of opportunities, says Pushkarna. “Form relationships with your professors: get to know them, ask them for coffee to discuss career plans.” Acadia is ideal for this because of its small class sizes and approachable professors, where you can really make these connections.

Melanie Smith ('01) knows first-hand about the value of these relationships. It was through her connection at the Estuarine Research Centre that she was able to gain practical exposure to environmental assessment. Based on this experience and her connection with a professor, her future academic and career choices solidified.

Several panelists attributed their success to the co-op program at Acadia, which gives students the hands-on work experience they need to start a career.

Andrew Steeves (’96), who graduated with an MA in English, told the group not to worry about nouns. “We are so busy thinking about being a doctor, a writer, an engineer that we forget about the verbs. A degree is not a licence or a guarantee. It's what we do that matters. Work hard, take pride in your work, and build a community for yourself.”

“Look for a lifestyle with what you value for you and your community and stick to it,” he says. “Your career will transcend personal and economic cycles.”

“Not realizing it when I was there, as none of us likely do,” says Mosher, “Acadia does such an awesome job of bringing the right mix of educational and social interaction and development into the overall experience.” Because of this, Mosher feels confident he has learned the right ‘in-textbook’ and ‘off-textbook’ material so he can succeed.

In closing, Smith told students that they didn't need to have it all figured out now. “You may backtrack,” she says, “but that's just part of the journey.”

Participants at NetTalks 2014 included (below, from left): Cindy James (’87); Brandon Mosher ('08); Melanie Smith ('01); Michelle Johnson, Acadia's Career Development Specialist; Andrew Steeves (’96); Nancy Handrigan (’92); and Deepashri Pushkarna ('11). (Laura Churchill Duke photo)