What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
Back in High School, I was lost in the post-secondary application process. I had no idea of what I wanted to do for a career, but I thought that I would be interested in studying business. As I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to study, completing a commerce degree didn’t make much sense to me at the time. The Management program at UBCO was perfect for me as it offered a large selection of courses which allowed me to gain the experience and knowledge in several business fields. The university also had a great location in a vastly growing region, had much smaller class sizes, and offered great programs such as the Go Global program, different clubs, and work experience opportunities.
What were your biggest takeaways from the program?
I’d say one of the biggest takeaways for me is the fact that learning never stops. You will find yourself growing and expanding on this information every day and will be able to use it to gain stronger connections with one another.
“Everything that you learn in the program is extremely valuable no matter what you end up doing both inside and outside of your career”
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
The most rewarding part of the program for me was the opportunities to get involved both inside and outside of the university. Whether it be a club, studying abroad, the live case competition, or the co-op program, there is always something for you to be a part of and there are endless opportunities to expand your network.
What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
I would say to try to get involved in everything that is offered to you. It may be scary at first but put yourself out there and be a “yes” person – it will pay off at the end of the day. I would also say that everyone in the program wants you to succeed. Seek help when you need it, go to office hours, use the tutoring service, and create study groups. These services are there for you to succeed, so take advantage of them as they will make a huge difference in your time at university.
What is your current occupation and how did you get there?
I am currently working at Highstreet Ventures as a Community Leader. During my last year at UBCO, I decided to enroll in a Diploma program studying Urban Land Economics at the Sauder School of Business where I focused my studies in real estate development. Once I graduated from UBC with both a Management degree and a Diploma, I was still unsure of what I exactly wanted to do. At the time of my graduation, I was serving at a local restaurant, and one of my colleagues connected me with a lady who worked at another Highstreet property. After several conversations with her, I soon learned more about Highstreet with their carbon-free initiatives and their core values and decided to apply to one of their open positions. Not long after, I got the job and have grown to love something that I never pictured myself doing.
Do you have any career advice you’d like to share?
I would say to never say no to an opportunity that results in you growing as a person and to continue to build relationships with those who you meet. It’s easy to say no to opportunities that may come up, especially those that require a lot of time or effort on your part. It is often these opportunities or experiences that make us who we are. There is never harm in saying yes to something that will only make you stronger at the end of the day.
What are your future career goals?
As a young individual working in this industry, there is a lot of room for growth. I plan on continuing to push myself every day, learn from others, continue my education, and continue to build my network.
