Age: 25
Lives in: Los Angeles
Lived In: San Francisco, Toronto
Graduated from: University of Western Ontario – Richard Ivey School of Business
Years as an Intern: 2003-2004
Interned with: Pitney Bowes (Toronto and London, Ontario)
Current Employer/Position: Oaktree Capital Management / Associate in the Principal Opportunities Group
Previous Employer/Position: UBS Investment Bank (San Francisco), BMO Nesbitt Burns – Investment Banking (Toronto)

How did you hear about INROADS? My sister, Christine Cruz, was an INROADS intern at Kraft Foods during the summers of 2000 and 2001 in both the Sales and Consumer Relationship Marketing departments. After seeing the incredible experience that she was having with INROADS in terms of professional development, career opportunities, meeting other motivated young people, and giving back to the community I had to join.

How has the program helped your career? If I had to identify one thing that I took away from the INROADS program in terms of career development it would be the introduction and development of soft skills. It is amazing how much a young person can take away from weekend sessions on professional behavior, communications and speaking, “managing upwards”, etc. when you can utilize them real-time in your internship. I find myself using  these soft skills everyday in my career and credit INROADS for introducing them to me early on – giving me the opportunity to cultivate as my career progresses.

What were some of the best things about the INROADS program? The best thing about INROADS is the people that you meet and how well you get to know them. Rarely do you get the opportunity to  become a part of an organization that attracts such similarly motivated young talent. However, I believe that it takes an exceptional organization to also facilitate the closeness that you develop with your fellow INROADers that makes INROADS special. It is truly encouraging to hear about what drives all of your fellow INROADers and amazing when you realize that it in turn drives you.

What were some of your most memorable / funny experiences? Everything about LDI was a memorable and fun experience! If I had to pick one moment though it would have to be learning how to “glide” (hip hop dance move) in the hallway of the hotel at LDI… from a Schulich accountant no less!

What advice would you give to someone starting out with INROADS? Be involved. Its easy to go along for the INROADS ride but it is truly an experience that gives you more when you give more. By this I mean; organize and lead events, attend all weekend sessions refreshed and ready to participate, get to know everyone you can.

What advice would you give to current IAA members? Be sure to find time to give back. As busy as we can get its easy to find excuses but, even something as small as helping reconnect a few other IAA members and strengthening the organization is a form of giving back. Only with the lens of hindsight have I realized how much the INROADS organization has done for me so giving back and helping those whose shoes we once were in is the least we can do.

Related posts:

1. Alumni Profile – Sid Vittal
2. Alumni Profile – Ricky Neckles
3. Alumni Profile – Reuben Fernandes