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career paths
As the daughter of Indian immigrants
growing up in Waterloo,
Ont., Sandeep Tatla says her
mother and father always
stressed the importance of getting a university
education. While her parents did
have degrees, they didn’t work in their
respective fields in Canada, but as general
labourers in the manufacturing
industry. This seemed to have a lasting
effect on her.
“Growing up, I don’t think I had a clear
idea of what I wanted to be,” said Tatla. “I
do recall wanting to be a teacher when I
was in grade four, but that was probably
because teachers were the most visible role
models I had.”
What Tatla did know, however, was that
she wanted to help people. It was at York
University that she decided to double major
in psychology and law and society.
“I liked the idea of being a therapist or
a lawyer,” she said. “Looking back, I really
only vaguely knew what each of these
professions did. By the end of my degree,
I wanted to be a lawyer. It was my law and
society courses – especially the ones that
examined issues of inequity – that really
inspired me to be an advocate for change. I
knew I could do that effectively with a legal
education. Interestingly, while at York I
also took a few HR courses and really enjoyed
them. I’m fortunate now to have a
career that really brings together all of my
passions and interests.”
As a lawyer practicing in labour, employment
and human rights law, Tatla
noticed many clients struggling with issues
she calls the mismanagement of diversity.
“Issues related to retention, turnover,
poisoned workplaces, harassment, discrimination
and bullying really affect
HR Career Paths:
Sandeep Tatla
By Lisa Kopochinski
Continued on page 59
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