Maria Kyres

After my undergraduate degree at Concordia, I completed a master's in Cultural Studies from Queen's. My career journey started with working as an employment counsellor which led me to HR and talent acquisition, and that combination led me to my current role developing career development programs and workshops for grad students at Concordia!

Career questions with Maria

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

What I love most about my work is that I'm always networking and meeting new people, whether it's students, faculty or industry professionals. I also love being able to provide guidance to students. Since I was a student for so long, it's nice to be able to give back. I didn't know this was what I would do as a career initially, but I did know I wanted to eventually work with students either in a university or CEGEP setting.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

My interpersonal skills. The ability to work well with others, being a good team player, being cordial and respectful and willing to help a colleague or peer. I also better understand the value and importance of networking now and how it’s not something you do just to kickstart your career but something that remains valuable throughout your entire career.

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia provided an amazing environment to learn. I had wonderful professors and courses that made me happy and proud to be a Concordia student and enjoy and appreciate my education here.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

I made some good friends in one of the Psychology labs I was volunteering in, and we used to have fun holiday parties. I encourage students to get involved in different aspects of student life to enhance your educational journey.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Enjoy my time more as a student, go to webinars and workshops and not be couped up in the library all the time, essentially to have used more of the resources at Concordia, specifically Career Advising and Professional Success and the career counselling services to learn about different, non-linear career paths.

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

With AI being so present, there's a continued conversation around how soft/people skills will be very important moving forward. That excites me because I feel for a while those skills were not considered as important as technical skills — but that couldn't be farther from the truth!

Feeling inspired?

• Register for Homeroom’s Psych Pod to connect with like-minded peers.
• Attend an event by the Concordia Undergraduate Psychology Association.
• Volunteer with a crisis hotline, peer counselling program or community organization, such as Concordia’s Nightline. 
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.