Starting a career can be overwhelming, especially when balancing school, networking to land your first big opportunity. Many young professionals struggle to find clarity on what they should be doing, how they should position themselves, and how to stand out in a crowded job market.

That’s why I invited Michael Ly, a LinkedIn Top Voice, Product Owner at OMERS, and founder of The Leap Sprint Newsletter, to join me on the first episode of The Uncovr Show. Although we have both been on the wrong end of things, we have navigated career shifts, networked, and overcome imposter syndrome to succeed in our fields.

Our conversation was packed with actionable advice, but here are five key takeaways that can help you accelerate your career growth.

1. Your Network is Your Competitive Advantage

Most students believe grades and a degree are enough for a great job. I used to think that, too. Michael did as well—until reality hit.

In his third year at York University, Michael applied to over 100 jobs and received only one interview—which he didn’t pass. That’s when he realized that applying online wasn’t enough.

So what changed? Networking.

Michael joined student organizations like the York Finance Club, Trading Club, Consulting Club, and AIESEC, which put him in the same rooms as ambitious peers, recruiters, and industry leaders. His first internship at Scotiabank didn’t come from a job board but through a connection in a student club.

📌 What You Can Do:

✔ Join student clubs (finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship—whatever fits your interests)

✔ Attend networking events and coffee chats—talk to people in your target industry

✔ Be genuine—don’t just network for favors; build real relationships

Michael’s insight: “I thought networking was just a cliché, but once I saw how it got me opportunities that applications didn’t, I never looked back.”

🚀 Takeaway: Stop relying solely on applications. Build relationships that open doors.

2. Case Competitions Will Make You Stand Out

_{^{Employers want experience, but we don’t always have it as students. That’s where case competitions come in.}}

Michael and I both competed in several case competitions, and we agree that they gave us a significant advantage in job interviews.

Why?

✔ They sharpen problem-solving skills (companies love this)

✔ They build public speaking confidence (helps with Networking They provide real-world experience (which can replace job experience on your resume)

Michael’s first in-person case competition was nerve-wracking. He had to present in front of 60+ people, including judges and other teams. He struggled through it—but that first experience made every competition afterward easier.

Case competitions helped me gain confidence in presenting to executives. I remember pitching ideas directly to CEOs and industry leaders. At one competition, our team’s strategy was so strong that the company wanted to implement it. That moment changed how I saw myself—it made me realize that I could hold my own in high-stakes business conversations.

📌 What You Can Do:

✔ Sign up for a case competition (even if you don’t feel ready)

✔ Practice presenting to real audiences—confidence is key

✔ Use case experience in job interviews (it makes you stand out)

Michael’s insight: “Case competitions gave me evidence. When an employer asked for relevant experience, I didn’t have to say ‘I don’t have any.’ I could point to case comps where I tackled real business problems.”

🚀 Takeaway: Case competitions are the next best thing if you don’t have work experience yet. They’re invaluable for building soft skills and should be a go-to for everyone!

3. Imposter Syndrome is a Sign of Growth

Let’s be honest—we’ve all felt imposter syndrome. That voice in your head that says:

🔹 “Am I actually good enough for this job?”

🔹 “When will they figure out I don’t belong here?”

I felt it when I started working in compliance—surrounded by lawyers and finance experts, I kept wondering, “Why am I here?”

Michael felt it, too, especially when transitioning from school to corporate roles at Scotiabank and OMERS. But something changed when he started having coffee chats with executives.

Here’s what he learned:

✔ EVERYONE feels imposter syndrome—even senior leaders and CEOs

✔ Imposter syndrome is a good sign—it means you’re in a growth environment

✔ The difference is how you interpret it—fear or excitement?

Michael shared a powerful mental reframe: The physical reaction to fear and excitement is the same. The only difference is how we interpret the feeling. Instead of seeing imposter syndrome as a reason to doubt yourself, see it as proof that you’re pushing yourself into more significant opportunities.

📌 What You Can Do:

✔ Reframe nerves as excitement

✔ Surround yourself with mentors & supportive peers

✔ Remember that even executives feel imposter syndrome

🚀 Takeaway: If you feel like an imposter, you’re probably in the right room. Embrace it.

Final Thoughts

🚀 Key Takeaways from Michael Ly’s Journey:

✔ Your network will open doors that applications won’t

✔ Case competitions provide real-world experience & confidence

✔ Imposter syndrome is proof that you’re growing

✔ It’s OK to pivot careers if your path doesn’t feel right

✔ Networking is a Networkingskill—start early

To hear our full, in-depth conversation filled with more insights on Career Development and Pivoting through Challenges check out the episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dZyhDsZTZGbXiiaAGSqul?si=5a5d92ee0b644489&nd=1&dlsi=7806822babb74fb3

Thank you for reading, see you next week!