Raneem Zaitoun celebrates her graduation
Raneem Zaitoun didn’t just dream; driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for knowledge, she worked hard to earn her Bachelor of Management degree while gaining practical skills and valuable experiences along the way. Starting at UBC Vancouver, where she co-founded a tech venture, she strategically moved to the Okanagan to further her Management-specific studies. Her hands-on approach led to notable achievements, including co-authoring a book with faculty members Dr. Annamma Joy and Dr. Ying Zhu, analyzing stocks for Stockbit, studying abroad at the University of Glasgow, working at Microsoft Canada and is now finalizing an internship at SAP Dubai. Raneem’s journey is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and dedication.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: My undergraduate experience began at UBC Vancouver, where I quickly developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship during my first two years. I co-founded a tech venture, participated in several student-led startups, and honed my skills through pitch competitions and the e@UBC accelerator program. While these experiences were valuable, I realized my passion extended beyond the startup world. I was particularly drawn to the various aspects of management, from developing marketing strategies to managing the financial health of my venture. To build a strong foundation for my future career, I made the strategic decision to relocate to the Okanagan in my third year to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: You only reap the benefits of what you learn in the classroom when you put it into practice. UBCO provides students with a diverse range of extracurricular activities, professional opportunities, and international exchange programs to bridge the gap between theory and practice. During my undergraduate studies, I maximized the value of my degree by actively engaging in these programs and initiatives. This proactive approach not only enhanced my skillset but also facilitated the development of valuable professional connections, opening doors to exciting future possibilities. I am grateful to the supportive faculty, fellow students, and the university itself for fostering an environment that empowers students like myself to unlock their full potential.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: A key benefit of the program has been the chance to collaborate with and learn from prominent faculty members like Dr. Annamma Joy and Dr. Ying Zhu. The Faculty of Management fosters strong student-professor relationships through its collaborative environment. This has allowed me to build valuable professional connections with both professors. Dr. Joy and Dr. Zhu provided me with research and teaching assistant opportunities, offering significant mentorship during my final years at UBCO. Their guidance and support were instrumental in our joint authorship of a published book on the future of blockchain technology in the luxury fashion and art industry. This research was presented at Harvard University and published through the prestigious MITACS program. I’m immensely grateful to remarkable professors Dr. Joy and Dr. Zhu for their unwavering support and the knowledge they’ve imparted throughout my studies.
Q: What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
A: Be involved. Expand your network. The more you put into this program, the more you get out of it. Your undergraduate experience will be rich with a variety of experiences if you open yourself up to various opportunities. My undergraduate experience was significantly impacted by my involvement in the student senate, student societies, and extracurricular clubs on campus. Additionally, programs like Go Global, which allowed me to study abroad at a partner university, provided invaluable international exposure and broadened my perspective. These experiences not only fostered personal growth but also equipped me with valuable skills that have benefited me throughout my early career.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations on-campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: I had originally joined the Management Students’ Association (MSA) as a Digital Marketing Director upon transferring from UBC Vancouver in my third year as a way to connect with fellow Management students. During a challenging time marked by the global pandemic, I was able to foster strong connections within the MSA and implement strategies that expanded their campus reach. My involvement with MSA inspired me to make a difference in the lives of prospective students. This led me to be involved as an International Peer with the Student Experience Office, where I played a key role in welcoming and orienting new international students specifically within the Faculty of Management. My passion for Management and continuous efforts pushed me to represent the Faculty on a university-wide scale. Throughout the past year, I have been serving as the Faculty representative for the UBC Student Senate. In this role, I actively participated in discussions and approvals regarding student admissions, awards, and campus projects, directly contributing to shaping a positive learning environment for all Management students.
Q: Are you or have you been in a co-op placement? If so, what was your role with that company?
A: While I wasn’t formally enrolled in the co-op program, I actively pursued work experience throughout my undergraduate studies. Upon transferring to UBCO, I was awarded the prestigious Cambridge Fellowship (selected from over 1,000 applicants) which included a $10,000 scholarship and a work opportunity in Asia. This led me to Stockbit, a leading Southeast Asian fintech startup in Kuala Lumpur, where I analyzed the Malaysian stock market and contributed to growth. Later on in my degree, during my exchange at the University of Glasgow, I worked with the university’s business intelligence unit to increase global rankings by 30% by working under the mentorship of the Director of Business Intelligence. Capping off my academic journey, I secured internships at Microsoft and SAP. At the Microsoft Canada Headquarters, I was actively involved in selling Co-Pilot technology to the public sector as a Sales Solutions Specialist. Currently, I’m finalizing my internship at SAP Dubai, where I am supporting the Global Head of Digital Business Development as a Digital Business Development Associate in their Public Cloud ERP team.
Raneem Zaitoun with BMgmt peers