Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: Growing up around business talks and diverse surroundings, I had always been keen in building my career in business and UBC had been one of my dream schools for a few years. When I came across the management program at UBCO, it stood out to me mainly because of how close-knit the student community was, making it easier to connect with other students, professors, and industry professionals.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: My biggest takeaway from the program is the career skill set it allows one to build. Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds enriched my communication and collaboration skills and broadened my perspective. Moreover, by taking courses ranging from industry analysis to accounting and governance, I have been able to develop my strategic viewpoint and business acumen.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The most rewarding part of the program so far is its practical emphasis. Engaging with industry experts and professors throughout my studies, and then applying that knowledge in my capstone project, simulations, and business case competitions, has truly honed my skills, sharpening my ability to tackle complex business challenges with innovative solutions and strategic insight.
Q: What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
A: Make sure you really dive into your studies by picking courses that interest you and ask for help if you need it. Look into joining clubs and getting involved with the MSA. It’s also super important to get to know your peers and professors as they could be the people you end up working with one day. Your time here is what you make of it, so put in the effort to make it count.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations on-campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
I had a great opportunity to be the president of the MSA’s Accounting Club this year. Having gone to some of their events last year, I found like-minded individuals and that inspired me to get further involved. This year was great, I had a great time leading nine extremely talented individuals with whom I was able to build the club’s awareness and provide resources to students.
Q: Can you share a bit about your experience winning the Student of the Year award at the MSA Gala?
A: Winning the Student of the Year award at the MSA Gala was an incredibly humbling experience. This recognition felt like a collective achievement, celebrating not only my academic achievements and extracurricular involvement but also the support and inspiration I’ve received from the community. It’s motivated me to keep striving for excellence and to contribute positively to those around me.
Q: Are you or have you been in a co-op placement?
Even though I wasn’t a part of the co-op program at UBCO, I interned at Dufil, a renown consumer goods company in Nigeria. As a treasury intern, I handled accounting tasks like reconciling book and bank records and assisting with product costing. Beyond the numbers, I built lasting connections and had insightful conversations that enriched my experience. It was a valuable opportunity that has positively influenced my career path.
I would definitely recommend doing a co-op while you can, because having done an internship after my third year, I definitely understand how valuable it is. It gave me some great industry insights and a better understanding of what I wanted to do in my future along with developing my work ethic. The co-op program at UBCO has some great resources that are very useful to set the building blocks of your career.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: My future goal is to pursue my CPA with a public practicing firm, working in audit or advisory. I want to be able to leverage the skills and insights gained to make impactful and strategic contributions in the field of accounting, aiming to drive innovation and ethical practices within the industry.
Q: Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
A: At the beginning of my degree, I felt overwhelmed, but I quickly learned that learning happens as you go and that new experiences aren’t as daunting as they initially appear! Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone or say yes to the next big opportunity. By embracing opportunities like co-op, campus involvement, and networking, you’ll expand beyond academics to enhance your practical skills, forge professional connections, and grow personally.
