Where are you from? What high school did you attend?
I’m from Richmond Hill, Ontario and I attended St. Robert Catholic High School.
What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?
BMOS.
List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.
First Year:
- Intramural basketball
- Peer notes taker
Second Year:
- Intramural soccer
- WUSC
- Space Society of London
- Western Rubik’s Cube Club
Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?
I chose Ivey’s HBA program because of the experiential learning opportunities and case-based method. It makes learning more practical and engaging, challenging me to apply concepts to real situations. Through case competitions, creativity challenges and business reports, Ivey’s focus on group work and collaboration has helped me build a strong foundation of teamwork and leadership. Also, the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspectives, allowing me to learn from different viewpoints. All these experiences have set me up better myself and make positive changes in the future.
Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.
Getting the opportunity to share a classroom with the 78 people in my section has been one of the best experiences. From the first day at opening gala everyone was very welcoming and friendly which made the transition to Ivey so much easier. The section has become a family , creating an environment where we push each other to become better, while having lots of fun along the way. Whether it's in classroom discussions or section socials, I’ve learned so much from the different perspectives of my peers. The friendships I have made has been a huge part of my Ivey experience and I will cherish the all the great memories.
What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?
Get comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone. Ivey is a fast-paced environment, demanding students to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities and personal hobbies. For me, this became overwhelming at times, but I reminded myself that the Ivey experience I get is the effort I put into it. Whether it was contributing in class, meeting new people or tackling a difficult problem in the case, taking the initiative to step out my comfort zone made me a more confident person. Most importantly, build relationships, make the most every opportunity and enjoy the experience Ivey has to offer.
How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?
Ivey’s Career Management team has been an integral part of my journey to success. Their resume workshops along with one-on-one appointments helped me display my experiences and present them in a way that stands out to employers. The career management sessions like “Telling Your Story” have been very valuable in teaching me how to explain my unique journey. Their resources have given me the confidence to build my network, connect with industry professionals and navigate the recruiting process.
What kind of support did you find the most helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?
All my peers were incredibly supportive throughout my HBA 1 journey. Whenever I struggled with understanding the material in the case, my peers were always willing to help. They were never judgmental when I contributed in class, helping me feel comfortable sharing my thoughts. Knowing others experienced the same struggles I had relieved a lot of the pressure I felt from the intense Ivey curriculum.
What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of the program for me has been comparing myself to my peers. With everyone coming from such diverse backgrounds and experiences, at times I felt I wasn’t at the same level. Specifically, with recruiting I felt overwhelmed with the jobs my peers had lined up and I stressed about how I could catch up. Some of my peers seemed to know exactly what they wanted while I wasn’t sure. However, I realized that everyone is on their own unique journey and not having it figured out yet is okay. I’ve learned to focus on what makes me unique by staying true to myself and embracing my journey, knowing the right opportunities will present themselves when I’m ready.
How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?
Ivey has helped me in a variety of ways to become a better leader to make an impact on the world around me. Through the case-based method, Ivey empowers me to make decisions that senior executives make when facing tough business challenges. Group work has helped me develop strong teamwork and communication skills that are applicable in my everyday life. Ivey has also given me the opportunity to lead initiatives through case competitions and presentations where I can practice my leadership skills in real-world scenarios. Ivey has provided me the tools and experience to lead with confidence to positively impact any environment.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation I hope to pursue a career that aligns with my interests and values which challenges me but also brings a sense of fulfillment. Whether in consulting, sales or another field, I want to find a role that excites me and offers an opportunity for continuous growth, while also giving me an opportunity to explore new places and experience different cultures around the world.
