As the year winds down, December offers a natural pause point and a chance to reflect on your career wins, reassess your strengths and set intentional goals for the year ahead. Before the rush of January begins, take a moment to look back at what went well in 2025 and what you want to build toward in 2026. 

Start by identifying the accomplishments you are most proud of this year. Think about new skills you developed, challenges you navigated, or relationships you strengthened. Once you capture your wins, take stock of your strengths. A simple personal SWOT analysis can help you understand what you do well, where you can grow and what opportunities might be emerging in your field. 

From there, map out a straightforward career development plan for 2026. Consider the roles you would like to explore, the skills you want to sharpen and the experiences you would benefit from gaining. Breaking your plan into quarterly milestones can make it feel more manageable and keep you accountable throughout the year. 

If you are preparing for a job search in the new year or simply want to stay ahead of a shifting job market, this webinar is a great place to start: . It walks through the critical steps and provides a clear framework to help you approach your search with confidence and strategy. 

All alumni who graduated beyond two years, are eligible to meet with York’s Alumni Career Coach for up to two hours of confidential individual career coaching services. Alumni can select the type of 1:1 career coaching appointment based on their needs. Click here to learn more.

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Before the holiday season kicks in, November is a great time to grow your connections with purpose. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine relationships that can help you learn, collaborate and open new doors. 

Start by setting up a few informational interviews with professionals in roles or industries that interest you. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about their career paths and experiences. Try creating a simple three-point agenda before each networking conversation. Jot down what you want to learn, what you can share and one follow-up action. It’s a quick way to stay focused and make every interaction more intentional.  

On LinkedIn or focus on engaging in real conversations. This means commenting on posts, sharing ideas and thanking people who offer helpful advice. And don’t forget the follow-up. A short thank-you message or an update on how you applied someone’s advice can help turn a single conversation into a lasting connection. 

If you’d like to strengthen your networking skills, watch for practical tips and inspiration. 

All alumni who graduated beyond two years, are eligible to meet with York’s Alumni Career Coach for up to two hours of confidential individual career coaching services. Alumni can select the type of 1:1 career coaching appointment based on their needs: Alumni Career Coaching Services - Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends  
 

Current students or recent graduates within the last two years are eligible for services and 1:1 appointments with the Career Centre: .

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We welcome students, alumni and friends to enjoy a new space located at York Lanes, across the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Bookstore. This is a venue designed to serve the needs of the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ community.

Note: The Alumni and Career Lounge is currently closed.

Learn more about the opportunities you can explore at the Alumni and Career Lounge:  

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Experience York

Log in to apply to jobs, register for employer events, career webinars and one-on-one appointments.  

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Alumni Perks

Register with (you must have graduated already) and access exclusive alumni benefits, right from the Alumni Perks app. 

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YSpace

Explore YSpace programming , supporting technology, food and beverage, women-led, and Black-led businesses at all stages. Gain access to educational workshops, mentorship programs, and free consultations to students, alumni, and the community at large.

The post Alumni and Career Lounge appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ is committed to empowering our alumni to leverage their strengths and pursue fulfilling careers. Through our comprehensive career supports, graduates are equipped to excel in a rapidly evolving world. Alumni have access to a variety of resources that facilitate lifelong learning and ongoing professional development, enabling them to achieve their career aspirations.  

Alumni Career Coaching Services

All alumni are eligible to meet with York’s Alumni career coach for up to two hours of confidential individual career coaching services. Alumni can select the type of 1:1 career coaching appointment based on their needs. At this time, no appointments are available. To be notified when new timeslots open, please complete this

Networking

¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ recognizes that building and maintaining a professional network is an important aspect of career success. Through networking, individuals gain access to new opportunities, learn about key industry insights, and develop collaborative relationships. We are pleased to offer various avenues for our alumni to build their professional networks.  

 

Level Up  

Mid-Career Conversations 

Alumni Networks  

Alumni and Career Lounge  

LinkedIn Learning

FREE six-month access to LinkedIn Learning for Alumni 

Alumni Engagement is proud to partner with Manulife to make this offer available to alumni free of charge. Registrants get up to six months free access to LinkedIn Learning, with access to features and courses that are designed to help you gain new skills and advance your career. 

HOW TO GET LINKEDIN LEARNING
Request access through your Alumni Perks account.  or  for Alumni Perks. 

Attention current students! All York students automatically have free access to LinkedIn Learning online courses and this is extended to 6-months AFTER your graduation.  

To access your free student license, go to  

1.  Click on the LinkedIn Learning banner above 
2. Enter your Passport York username and password 

York Career Centre: Get a career kickstart

Most people don’t land the perfect job right after graduation, and it can be tough to figure out how to find the right role. But as York alumni, you can get help from our  professionals for up to two years after you graduate, getting supportive coaching to help you as you develop career self-management skills.

York’s Career Centre works to build your abilities and confidence through innovative career development and job search strategies, with practical support.

Entrepreneurial Resources

YSpace is York’s pan-university entrepreneurship & innovation hub. They provide support to a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers through mentorship, workshops, programming and other opportunities.  

York continuing education: Personal and professional learning

YSpace is York’s pan-university entrepreneurship & innovation hub. They provide support to a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers through mentorship, workshops, programming and other opportunities.  

Lifelong learning is important to your personal and professional development. It’s a way of expanding your perspectives on the world, as well as an avenue to exploring new career options.

Alumni are eligible to get $300 savings on tuition for many programs. Go to your  to find out how.

If you are a graduate of ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ or a member of the SEEC Alumni Network, you could be eligible for a discount on all programs.

Check out featured courses for individuals, groups and companies by visiting the Glendon Continuing Education website.

(open only to Osgoode alumni)Osgoode alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on upcoming CLE programs. To register and receive the discount, please email osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.

Students and alumni receive a discount depending on the course value:

• Courses under $600: 5% savings
• Courses over $600: 10% savings

Health professionals are invited to view all courses and details by visiting .

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