"Your career is not a straight line—it’s a series of detours and pivots. It’s about what you learn, how you grow, and the opportunities you create through confidence and meaningful connections."
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I grew up in Bangalore, playing competitive badminton for 10 years before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. Alongside my studies, I pursued CIMA, believing finance or banking would be my career path. After graduation, I moved to British Columbia, Canada, completed an MBA, and started working toward my CFA.
My first part-time job in retail during my MBA led me into banking in an unexpected way. After several rejections, I decided to walk into a bank branch with my resume. To my surprise, the manager was available. After a brief conversation, I landed my first Canadian banking role through networking and confidence. That moment showed me how transformative connections can be.
I spent two years in that role while finishing my MBA, but I soon realized that my passion lay elsewhere. Over the next eight years, I found fulfillment in helping people land their dream jobs, and that transition shaped my career into what it is today.
2. You’ve helped over 150 people land their dream jobs. Was there a moment when you realized career coaching was your true calling?
During COVID, I saw many immigrant students struggling to find jobs. While I was creating content about investing and personal finance, people began reaching out for career advice—specifically about breaking into finance. I started sharing my own experiences, and soon, what began as a passion project grew into something much bigger.
Seeing the impact I could make was life-changing. One client told me that because of his new job, he could afford Diwali presents for his daughter—a moment I’ll never forget. That’s when I realized career coaching was my true calling. It’s not just about jobs; it’s about changing lives.
3. What is the most underrated skill candidates should develop to stand out in today’s job market?
Effective communication. I’ve seen candidates with flawless resumes and LinkedIn profiles struggle in interviews because they couldn’t express their value clearly. When two candidates have similar qualifications, the better communicator usually gets the job. Employers want someone who can represent the team confidently, present solutions, and build relationships.
The good news? Communication is a skill anyone can develop. I improved mine by joining Toastmasters for two years, and I encourage others to explore public-speaking platforms. In today’s world, whether you’re in finance or any other field, being able to articulate your thoughts is crucial.
4. Resume-building and interviews can be stressful. How do you help clients turn that stress into confidence?
Preparation is everything. I guide my clients step-by-step, focusing on their strengths and achievements, and we tailor these to the roles they want. We also practice mock interviews extensively, leaving no question unanswered.
Many clients, regardless of age, struggle with feeling undeserving of interviews. That’s why I over-prepare them—not just for the interview but to feel worthy of the role. When you’re prepared, stress turns into confidence.
5. What’s a hiring trend in 2024 that job seekers should know about?
AI is transforming hiring processes. Beyond just scanning resumes, it’s now being used to conduct video interviews, assess body language, and even predict a candidate’s cultural fit. Job seekers need to get comfortable with these technologies because they’re not going away.
There are free tools online to practice AI-driven interviews, and I recommend using them. Understanding how to engage with AI-based assessments will give candidates a competitive edge in today’s job market.
6. What makes a candidate’s resume stand out?
Quantified work experience. When I see specific, measurable achievements—like goals reached, projects completed, or teams led—it instantly grabs my attention. Even if candidates lack formal experience, internships or volunteer work can be just as impactful when presented with measurable outcomes.
A resume with quantified results shows that you can deliver real value, no matter where the experience comes from.
7. If you could design a perfect interview scenario, what would it look like?
The ideal interview would feel more like a conversation. Both the interviewer and the candidate would feel comfortable enough to explore not just experience but personality and problem-solving skills.
A perfect interview allows candidates to ask questions, too—it’s important for them to assess if the company aligns with their goals. Ending the interview with feedback or clear next steps ensures both sides leave with clarity.
8. What’s the most rewarding aspect of helping someone land their dream job? Is there a story that stands out?
One story that stays with me involves helping a couple—both immigrants—find jobs in their fields. They had been working minimum-wage jobs to survive, which delayed their plans to start a family. After securing roles in IT and banking, they finally felt financially secure. A few months later, they shared the news that they were expecting their first child.
Knowing that I played a part in improving not just their careers but their lives is incredibly fulfilling. It’s moments like these that make this work so meaningful.
9. How has your background in finance shaped your approach to career coaching?
My finance background gives me an edge when coaching clients in finance-related fields. I know what hiring managers look for and how to interpret complex roles. This helps me break down job descriptions and guide clients in positioning themselves effectively.
It’s not just about using buzzwords; it’s about understanding the metrics and strategies that drive success in the industry.
10. Do you think a person’s first job defines their entire career?
Not at all. Your first job is just a starting point—it doesn’t lock you into a specific path. Careers are rarely linear; they’re more like a series of detours and pivots. It’s about what you learn along the way and how you use those lessons to move forward.
I spent eight years in finance before transitioning into recruitment and career coaching. You have to stay open to new opportunities and follow where your fulfillment lies.
11. What’s one piece of career advice that applies universally?
See your career as a journey and treat networking as your superpower. Every conversation you have can unlock new opportunities. Networking isn’t just about finding jobs; it’s about learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships.
As Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Keep exploring, stay curious, and embrace unexpected paths—your next opportunity could be just one conversation away.
Bio:
Mishika Gupta is a Certified Career Strategist and former finance professional with a mission to help individuals—particularly immigrants and students—build fulfilling careers. With an MBA and CFA, Mishika’s experience spans finance, banking, and recruitment, giving her deep insight into competitive job markets. Based in Canada, she has coached over 150 clients to secure dream roles, emphasizing communication, networking, and adapting to AI-driven recruitment trends. Mishika’s passion for career coaching stems from her belief in the power of confidence, preparation, and meaningful connections. Today, she shares her expertise with an online community of nearly 100,000 followers, empowering others to navigate the complexities of job markets and achieve personal and professional growth.
Interviewed by: Insiya
Edited by: Mishika Goel
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments