Whether exploring Buckingham Palace or hearing from Ivey alumni about what it’s like to work abroad, 40 HBA students who participated in a Career Trek to London, United Kingdom (U.K.) during Spring Reading Week gained valuable global insights and experiences. Organized by Ivey Career Management, the trip aimed to introduce students to career opportunities in the U.K. and provide insights from alumni working abroad. Below, Sela Caldwell and Cheryl Geng, both HBA ’26 candidates and Career Trek Student Ambassadors, share how the experience taught them about life after Ivey and the benefits of the Ivey Alumni Network.
Insights on international career opportunities
The perspective gained on this trip provided valuable insight into career paths after Ivey, reinforcing that one doesn’t need to take a linear career path to be successful. Speaking with alumni and hearing about their experiences – whether transitioning between business sectors or changing career paths entirely – was refreshing. It was reassuring to learn that, as undergraduate students, we have time to explore our interests, and even as we enter the workplace, there remains flexibility and opportunities for growth. This experience highlighted the transferrable skills we develop as business students and how these skills enable us to work in different areas. It was encouraging to hear that we have time to find our footing during our undergraduate studies and beyond.
Moving abroad can feel intimidating, so it was exciting to hear alumni share their experiences of relocating to England and the diverse ways they navigated the transition. We gained insight into the logistics of moving internationally, the differences between working in North America and England, and the advice they wish they had known beforehand. Since many students, including myself, hope to work abroad, we appreciated hearing firsthand from those who have made the move – making what often seems unattainable feel much more within reach.
The alumni network beyond borders
The value of the Ivey Alumni Network became more evident on this trip than ever before. Whether attending socials, taking extra time to speak with students, or organizing events, the strength and support of the alumni community were palpable. The alumni empathized with the challenges of being students navigating career decisions and offered reassuring advice to us as soon-to-be graduates. Their openness in sharing their experiences, stories, and journeys abroad was inspiring and they were encouraging when we shared with them our own experiences.
Creating lifelong friendships in HBA
Travelling with 40 HBA students was an incredible experience. As we explored careers abroad, we also connected, sharing our ambitions and hopes for both the trip and our time at Ivey. Exploring London together – whether attending events, visiting landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, or simply navigating a new city as a group – made the experience even more meaningful. The trip not only broadened our career perspectives but also strengthened our friendships, making it an unforgettable part of our Ivey journey
View more photos below
A visit with Ivey alumni at Bain & Company
Visiting CVC Capital/EQT Exeter
Checking out Google London
Another stop at RBC Wealth Management
A visit to Trint
A warm welcome at the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan's London, England office
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