Where are you from? What high school did you attend?
I’m from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I attended Charles P Allen High School.
What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?
Bachelor of Management and Organizational studies, specializing in Accounting, Faculty of Social Science.
List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.
First Year:
- Vice President of Finance, Western for the Elderly Club
- Volunteer Organizer for the Day of Giving in the London Community
- Best Buddies
Second Year:
- Vice President of Finance, Western for the Elderly Club
- Student Campus Ambassador for Deloitte
- International Volunteer for Wildlife Sense in Greece
Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?
Initially, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to leave Nova Scotia and was conflicted between other universities in the East coast. After researching different business programs, Ivey caught my eye due to the engaging learning experience offered through the real-world case-based studying. I choose Ivey’s HBA program as I knew it would suit me best as someone who loves hands on engaging learning and working in groups. Also, I knew the case-based studying would be the best way to help me gain practical business skills that I can apply to real-world business issues.
Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.
The highlight of my Ivey experience so far has definitely been the first week of my Ivey experience. I remember feeling so many emotions; excitement, nervousness, gratefulness, and overall very happy to be at Ivey. During this week there were so many fun activities, leadership panels and section bonding. I met so many amazing people during this first week that I now get to call my friends. Additionally, the OWLs (Orientation Week Leaders) were such great welcoming leaders, which facilitated a smooth transition into Ivey. Every single day was jam-packed full of fun activities, and there was a contagious energy in the building making it a fun experience. That week was one of the best weeks of my life and has inspired me to apply to be an OWL next year to make sure the next body of HBA1s have the same experience as me.
What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?
My biggest advice for any incoming HBA students is to come into Ivey with a curious and open mindset. This will ensure you leverage all of opportunities Ivey has to offer. When I started HBA1, I was told that it is fully up to you for how you want your year to play out. This is so true. Get involved, join clubs, make yourself known to your professors, attend career management events and take advantage of all resources available to you as a HBA student. There is so much outside of the classroom to really make your experience at Ivey the best possible.
How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?
Career Management team really helped me through all the amazing resources available when it came to perfecting my resume, CV and ensuring I have recruitment material to set me up for success. I have attended some 1 on 1 sessions with the team to discuss career opportunities and determine what path is best suited for my own success. Additionally, during February Reading Week I have the opportunity to go to London, UK for Ivey’s Global Career trek which is fully organized through Career management. This opportunity allows me to visit top tier firms in the UK, expand my network, and continue to be open to any opportunities that will set me up for success in my future.
What kind of support did you find the most helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?
I found the support from my section mates has been the most helpful resources when it comes to studying for tough courses. Having the opportunity to study in groups and try out the cases together makes it a fun and engaging learning experience. This has been very helpful to me as everyone brings unique talents, knowledge and insights so it really was the best way to get an all-around learning experience.
What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?
I would say the most challenging part of the program has been balance. At first, I was very overwhelmed by all the clubs, extra-curricular involvement, social events and recruiting. I felt pressure that I needed to be involved with everything and do what everyone else was doing, when it comes to extra-curricular involvement and recruiting. I overcame this challenge by time managing my schedule to prioritize doing things I wanted to do and what suited me best.
How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?
During my Ivey experience, I have had several opportunities that has helped me become a better leader and make an impact on the world around me. Firstly, working in assigned learning teams has helped me become a better leader as I have learned how to be more open-minded to everyone else opinions, be a better listener, and collaborate efficiently in a team setting. Additionally, during Ivey’s Opportunity week, my team was tasked to work with a small organization and find a problem and solve it. Me and my teammates were able to raise $1500 in donations for our organization that has a mandate to keep marginalized kids warm. This organization was able to use the funds to distribute warm clothing to kids in need out in the London community. This experience has helped me make a difference in the London Community, all while growing my leadership skills.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After Ivey, I plan on pursuing my CPA destination at Deloitte. I have worked internships at Deloitte my past two summers in the Audit department. After obtaining my CPA designation, I plan to use my business background, knowledge gained through my CPA, and leadership skills gained through Ivey to utilize to help grow and manage other businesses finances to make effective and strategic business decisions.
