My name is Prince Khan, and I’m from Brampton, where I work at the city’s entrepreneurship center. My role is to supervise the co-working space for entrepreneurs looking to start businesses here. It’s a role that requires understanding people at a deep level—listening is key. We need to truly grasp the circumstances of our clients, particularly in terms of their customer base. We seek individuals who are not only accountable and empathetic but who also display strong leadership skills and a passion for positive change. They need to be driven to make the city more vibrant and improve it in any way they can.

At our small business center, we look for people who possess entrepreneurial skills. These are individuals who are driven, empathetic, collaborative, and willing to take risks. They also understand that going above and beyond is essential in today’s competitive job market. The best candidates are those who can combine all these skills and demonstrate them in a way that shows they are ready to contribute to the center. When we find someone with these qualities, we know we’ve made a good hire.

However, I want to make something clear—schoolwork alone doesn’t land you a job. It provides you with the knowledge you need to succeed, but that’s only one part of the equation. To get a good job, you need to go out and network. It’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. You need to be comfortable with who you are and willing to put yourself out there.

Attending networking events can be a game-changer. You never know when you’ll meet someone who sees potential in you and thinks, “This is the person I want to connect with.” That person could be your next employer. So don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—go out there and create them. As a student, I’d recommend learning how to network as early as possible. It’s one of the most important skills you can develop for your career.

Networking isn’t just about building connections—it’s about building your future.