• Written by: Lubnaa Aamirah, Digital Business Management student
• Edited by: Ejin Zandi, Digital Business Management student

Get to know Ryan Tay, Global Wealth and Capital Markets Product Lead

Ryan Tay is a graduate of Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce- E-Business Marketing, now known as Digital Business Management. He is currently working as a Director at CGI’s Global Wealth and Capital Markets Product Group where he leads a data and integration services team that facilitates the integration of CGI’s Portfolio of Wealth Management Products with a variety of client’s existing financial systems. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Consultant at CGI, providing consulting services to one of Canada’s large banks, and as an IT Solutions Consultant at Cerberus Artist Management and Consulting to enhance company-client relationships by providing IT solutions.

Skills or core concepts that helped at Humber:

“I remember taking the project management and e-commerce classes that helped set the fundamental concepts right, especially since I went along the project management sector. I think that Humber really helps you set the foundations for you to build upon.”

 Skills acquired after graduation: 

“After graduation, I think the most important thing is to find yourself, leverage information, and resources. For me, the most important skill I acquired was that of being a self-motivated learner, really just taking the initiative to learn and use opportunities to grow.”

How did you find your forte/strengths after graduation? 

“My goal was to get into a company somewhere, getting hands-on experience, and figuring out if it is something that I want to do. When I first started, project management is something I wanted to do but, after experiencing it, I realized that it is it not meant for me. Gain experience, try out different options, and eventually, you will find your strengths.”

Most important technical skills in the digital business industry today: 

“The technical skills for IT would definitely revolve around JAVA but, for large enterprise companies. Smaller companies often use more cutting-edge technology. Many companies go into Python, GoLand, Koltin and Rust. If we talk about business skills, Atlassian made Jira and other software tools that are used by many companies today. However, the most basic technical tool widely used is Microsoft Suite and particularly Excel and I think developing this skill would be helpful in the business industry.”

 Advice for resume building and job application: 

“Some of the things that really turn me off when I review resumes are spelling, grammatical errors, and sentences that don’t make sense. It is critical to show that you are passionate to join the company and grow your career within the company. If you can show that drive or passion and your willingness to learn and grow in whatever company that interests you, it should suffice. The hiring officer must be able to see that as he quickly glances through your resume.”

How to efficiently utilize online resources or Humber resources: 

“Network as much as you can to find that first opportunity. Talk to your professors, leverage your connections on LinkedIn, and keep communicating. The references put across by these people really help to find your first opportunity. The trick is to find connections where there is a potential to grow. Come up with an action plan and find yourself somewhere with such an opportunity.”

As final words of advice, Ryan asked to be observant of the situations of the world, economy, and industry. He says that whenever times are changing like today with the pandemic, industries change, and new opportunities open. He advises us to keep our eyes open and grab onto such opportunities to learn and grow.

Insights & Lessons Learned: 

Overall, my meeting with Ryan helped me gain important insights into the industry requirements when it comes to the use of digital tools, resume advice and the importance of networking today. Ryan’s insightful journey from being a Humber graduate to an IT Solutions Director at CGI has allowed me to delve and learn more about an industry I have never researched before. I tapped into a spectrum that is beginning to interest me and exploring which, I believe, would better my decision-making when I look for an internship. 

Lastly, if you are not sure how to talk to your mentors, here are some things that I personally learned after my mentorship interview:

• Start with an introduction and make sure to set a comfortable environment
• Slow down the pace and focus on building a relationship rather than getting answers to my questions
• Let the mentor take the lead in the meeting and answer their questions before bringing up the set of questions I prepared for them
• Prepare a script or pointers to guide my introduction and answers to the questions that are likely to be asked
• Let the mentor know of the agenda prior to the meeting and follow the listed agenda items