Bravim Paul Saini in San Francisco
Transferring schools in the third year can be a challenging transition, but Bravim Paul Saini embraced it wholeheartedly, driven by his passion for business, economics, and entrepreneurship. His journey to UBCO was a calculated leap and Bravim quickly made his mark at UBCO. Bravim actively participated in campus life and served as the Student Representative for the Innovation Council at the Management Student Association. In addition to his academic achievements, Bravim completed co-op placements at Hackworks and the UBC Integrated Renewal Program Student, gaining invaluable insights and practical skills and preparing him for a successful career. As a recent graduate of 2024, Bravim’s immediate goal is to pursue a career in project management. His long-term aspirations include becoming an entrepreneur and making a significant impact in the local Okanagan community.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: Ever since high school, I have been interested in business and economics and their endless possibilities. My UBCO journey started as a transfer student from Northern Lights College. UBC’s prestigious reputation, combined with its strong ties to growing local Okanagan communities, was one of the major factors I chose UBCO to complete my degree. I believe the program has exceeded my expectations in providing a well-rounded education combined with a solid support system throughout my university experience.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: The biggest takeaways from this program have been the development of hard and soft skills and the co-op experiences. Academically, I have gained a deep understanding of fundamental business disciplines, including project management, marketing, and data analysis, which I then applied to my co-op. On the soft skills side, group projects, presentations, in-class participation, and capstone not only helped me build connections with my fellow peers, professors, and industry professionals but also helped me become a better communicator and leader.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The most rewarding part of my journey at UBCO has been the connections I’ve built with my peers and professors. Coming into my third year as a transfer student, I was a bit nervous about feeling out of place, but UBCO represents a very welcoming and supportive community. The relationships and connections I’ve formed here have been invaluable to me and will continue to be a significant part of my journey past UBCO.
Q: What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
A: One major piece of advice I would give prospective students is to get out of their comfort zone while at university. From my personal experience, moving to a new place and starting university can be extremely daunting. But go out of your comfort zone, reach out to people, go on business trips, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way, both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved in extracurricular activities, join clubs, and participate in networking events. These experiences are not only invaluable in a professional context but also help you build stronger personal relationships and memories.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations on-campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: During my final year at UBCO, I was the fourth-year Student Representative for the Innovation Council at the Management Student Association. I’ve always been an active member of student clubs and associations. My motivation to consistently get involved and contribute in any way I can comes from a desire to meet new people, build my network, and enhance my education experience beyond academics.
Q: Are you or have you been in a co-op placement? If so, what was your role with that company?
A: Yes, I have completed my co-ops at two different organizations. My first term was at Hackworks, where I worked as a Program and Marketing Coordinator. In this role, I was responsible for coordinating with clients, conducting market research and assisting in campaign development. My second and third Co-op work terms were at UBC Integrated Renewal Program Student, where I worked as an Associate Business Analyst. I was involved in configuring program entry and degree requirements for the recently launched Workday Student, executing QA tasks, and participating in a large-scale cloud-based software implementation.
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: Participating in the co-op program has been incredibly beneficial and invaluable. The co-op placements help you gain real-world experience by applying classroom knowledge to professional settings and building a solid professional network. My co-op experiences have been extremely helpful in gaining hands-on experience on the topics I had only learned in the classroom. For anyone considering a co-op, I suggest seeking out opportunities and building connections actively. UBCO Co-op office does an excellent job of providing the help and resources required. Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges. This will enhance your resume and your networks and give you a clearer understanding of your career aspirations, as it did with me.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: My goal is to work in project management. My experiences and skills gained during my time at UBCO, primarily through my co-op placements, have prepared me well for this career path. In the long term, I see myself as an entrepreneur and leading my own business. My university experience and connections have fueled my passion for entrepreneurship, and I am excited to make a meaningful impact in the local Okanagan community.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: Once again, I want to emphasize the importance of openness to new experiences and challenges. Moving to Canada, starting school and eventually coming to UBCO was nerve-wracking, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve learned so much along the way. To all prospective and current students, make the most of your time here, take on new challenges, and stay true to your aspirations. Everything will eventually fall into place with dedication and perseverance.
Bravim Paul Saini graduated in June 2025