The Road to Success: Vic Ready

The Road to Success: Vic Ready

by Jennifer Little

“Vic Ready is such a fantastic program!” says Yiwen Li Vic 2T1. “I was in the initial focus groups when the idea of Vic Ready was being explored. I am proud that my input may have helped contribute to the development of the program.”

Launched in 2019 in keeping with President Robins’ priorities, the program was created to prepare students for graduation and life after Vic. Staff advisors work closely with students to help explore their interests, and to discover opportunities. Students also work with professionals to create portfolios, strong resumés, and are coached on financial literacy and communications. The program also provides networking opportunities with peers, faculty, alumni and professionals. Streams are curated for students interested in immediately joining the workforce, pursuing graduate studies or those who aren’t sure what should come next.

Yiwen Li Vic 2T1

“Vic Ready really helped improve my writing ability and taught me to communicate effectively,” says Li. “I felt prepared, relaxed and confidant when it came to applying to grad school. Vic Ready definitely helped decrease my stress about the future.” Li is pursuing an MSc in occupational therapy at U of T.

Gantavya Gupta Vic 2T1

Gantavya Gupta Vic 2T1 was one of the early adopters of Vic Ready. “Vic Ready helped me believe in my own abilities and helped me move forward and take the first steps toward my career. Every student was impressed by the outside speakers who were brought in to share their real-world experience.”

According to Gupta, “The help I received in directing my career path was one of the greatest strengths of the program.” Gupta works as venture analyst for the Rotman School of Management’s Creative Destruction Lab.

“Students are often daunted by their prospects, not sure of their own strengths, and unsure how to navigate next steps. Vic Ready is meant to calm the waters, working to help students at their own pace and in a way that is specific to them,” says Kelley Castle, dean of students.