Life After Mac: Real stories of alumni finding their way — Hufriya

My ‘Life after Mac’ story is a bit unique than the others on this platform because I never really left Mac. I moved to Canada in 2013 from Dubai by myself as an International Student, excited to call McMaster and Hamilton my new home. While I was figuring out how to live by myself and adapting to the cold temperatures, I was also getting started with my B.A, hopeful to get into the Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour program. My dream job at the time was to be a counsellor for children, but the deeper I got into the program, the sooner I realized that was not the job for me.

I always enjoyed business courses through high school and found myself taking business related electives in first and second year too, which led me to explore more options that brought together Psychology and Business. I was lucky enough to be around at the time that the Faculty of Social Sciences was offering certificates in collaboration with Mohawk College, and I pursued a certificate in Business Studies.

In my third year, I looked around for research opportunities that brought my two worlds together. I was fortunate to find a position as a Research Assistant with the Connelly Lab, that looked at organizational behaviour, and the implications of important topics such as leadership, implicit biases, effects of temporary work and other key issues in the workplace. I enjoyed my position and the amazing work that Connelly Lab was doing so much, that I applied to be a thesis student and was able to successfully write an undergraduate thesis on performance evaluations of employees with physical disabilities.

I graduated with honours in 2018 and accepted a full-time position as a Manager-in-Training at McMaster University Hospitality Services. As a manager of food units on campus, I was able to really explore the intricacies of operating a large-scale business. I learnt everything — from hiring and training, to inventory management and procurement. I grew within the department, and got promoted to Assistant Manager, and I now manage a combination of self-operated and franchise business on campus. With my combined academic and work experience, I was eligible to immigrate to Canada, and in early 2021, I became a permanent resident.

This fall, I started my part-time MBA at Wilfred Laurier University. I am so excited with this new chapter in my life, and to be able to go back to school! I am hoping that the MBA gives me a platform to advance my love and understanding for business and organizational development, alongside my passion for the food industry! I have come a long way since I got off the plane back in 2013 on a cool August evening, and I have such a long way to go.

Hufriya Kateli

Psychology ‘18

The Office of Alumni Engagement will be featuring recent grad’s career stories to show career paths are anything but linear. If you graduated in the last 10 years and are interested, share your story.

If you are looking to get started on your own journey, take advantage of the resources available to recent graduates through our partnership with the Student Success Centre.