Meet Ruixuan Zhao, a 3rd year Bachelor of Management student whose journey at UBCO started with a passion for business and an unwavering commitment to growth. Through her reflections, Ruixuan shares invaluable insights into her experiences with an emphasis on practical learning in her leadership role in MSA’s Accounting Club. Follow along as she navigates her academia, professional development and personal growth where she hopes to inspire other students to seize every opportunity and stay true to their aspirations.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: UBC has been my dream school since high school, and I’ve always had an interest in business. UBCO’s Bachelor of Management program has a strong reputation for providing a well-rounded education in business fundamentals and has an emphasis on experiential learning and small class sizes, which provides more opportunities for students to build connections with professors and industry professionals.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: I gained valuable insights into various aspects of business, including accounting, finance, sustainability, marketing, and business condition analysis. I also learned a lot of soft skills by participating in group assignments and business simulation competitions, such as leadership skills, time management, and communication skills.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations through group projects, business simulations, and case competitions. These experiences have helped me develop practical skills and build a professional network.
Q: What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
A: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and seize growth opportunities – go to office hours and talk with professors, apply to be a teaching assistant, and join the co-op program! Enhance your learning experience and broaden your horizons by getting involved in extracurricular activities and networking events, such as joining clubs that interest you and participating in business trips hosted by MSA.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations on-campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: I am the VP of Academic of MSA’s Accounting club this year. It is because I decided to pursue my CPA in the future, so being part of the accounting club can provide me with valuable opportunities to network with professionals in the field and gain insights into the accounting profession through workshops and networking events.
Q: Are you or have you been in a co-op placement? If so, what was your role with that company?
A: I secured an 8-month co-op placement at Crowe Mackay LLP as an accounting trainee, starting this September. In this role, I’ll have the opportunity to apply my classroom knowledge in a professional setting, gain practical experience in accounting, and learn from seasoned professionals in the field.
Q: If you have participated in the co-op program, what were the greatest benefits of the program and what advice would you share with someone considering doing a co-op?
A: I believe the greatest benefits of the program include gaining real-world experience and gaining a better understanding of what I want to pursue in my future career. My advice to someone considering doing a co-op would be to actively seek out opportunities, utilize the job-seeking resources provided by the co-op program, and participate in networking events.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: To pursue my CPA in a public accounting firm, work in audit and tax, and eventually advance into a managerial or leadership role within a reputable organization.
Q: Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
A: At the start of my university journey, I felt lost amidst the multitude of major choices, unsure whether accounting, finance, marketing, or human resources management was the right fit for me. After immersing myself in accounting courses during my second year, I discovered my passion for the subject and decided to specialize in accounting. Despite facing daunting challenges and moments of doubt along the way, my unwavering dedication to my chosen path kept me going. This journey taught me that while obstacles may arise, staying true to your dreams and remaining resilient is paramount.
