A big thank you for spending your time with us on the
playground! And a huge thank you to Priyak for sharing his story with us.
Here are my top takeways from our chat:
At the end of Grade 10 you have to take an exam that will let you go on to Junior College where you could choose from Commerce, Art or Science background.
In a society with a heavy focus on STEM and commerce careers, more Arts-inclined people can get a BA in psychology/sociology.
When teachers have a passion for the subject they teach, this can have a huge positive impact on the lives of their students. Priyak loved taking German because of the passion of his German teacher.
Unlike many people, Priyak knew what he wanted to study after junior college. He was interested in joining the Indian armed forces, but he also had a love of food and cooking that he developed while helping his mother with her business. Inspiration comes from many places!
Priyak is someone with a strong growth mindset. His pivots have been many – from choosing catering arts instead of a career in the military (even though he had always been fascinated by the military life).
A big pivot was visiting Canada and falling in love with Thompson, Manitoba, followed by another pivot when he decided to focus on a career in the public service as a police officer (after a stint as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Manitoba Sheriff’s Office).
He took a very strategic approach to his career development, spending a lot of time thinking and reflecting on his next move.
While applying to join police forces throughout Ontario, Priyak also considered the role of air traffic controller. Big takeaway here – really spend time getting to know and understand your own strengths and interests in life. They are the clues you need to listen to!
Strategic and resilient are two words to describe Priyak’s attitude towards his career development. Even when things did not go the way he thought they were going to go with the Ottawa police services, he was able to reflect again and choose another path.
Even he was working at two part-time jobs that did pay the bills but did not align with his professional career goals, he was taking the time to think about ways he could grow. He also took the time to network with other people and learn more about other opportunities, like the Rideau Carleton Casino.
Priyak knew he was always interested in the military or para-military world, so applied for the position of security officer and was promoted. When he became a Canadian citizen in 2018, he started applying to the Canadian armed forces.
He was going through the application process when the pandemic hit. And although it really drew out the timeline, it also gave him the opportunity to learn that he was interested in emergency management.
He went to school, took the training while working and in 2021 started working as an artillery officer with the reserve’s unit of the Canadian armed forces.
Advice to younger self – and what I am taking away from the conversation – be strong. Gain strength. And the quotes – words that he lives by – evolve, and like the Marines say, observe everything, admire nothing.
Please do remember to visit the St. John’s Ambulance website for more information about organization and to learn more about emergency management. And remember to share the podcast with a friend!
Thanks again to Priyak for sharing his journey -and his strategies of career development! Please do join me and another fabulous mystery guest on the next episode of the Playground Project. Until next time, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment. See you on the playground for the next chat, when we will jump into the future – together.
Links:
Saving Lives at Work, Home and Play | St. John...
41 mins