Camryn Koley’s journey through UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Management program has been one of discovery and growth. Drawn by the program’s diverse course offerings, she explored various business disciplines, uncovering her passion along the way. Her experience was enriched by joining the Finance Club and completing three internships at Manulife Financial’s global headquarters, gaining hands-on industry knowledge. Camryn’s biggest takeaway? It’s okay to not have all the answers upfront—UBCO’s supportive environment helps students navigate their paths with confidence. Now, she’s excited to blend her passions for finance and human resources in a career focused on compensation and benefits.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: When I was choosing what route to take after high school, I knew I wanted to study business, but I had no idea what type of business I would enjoy, and I was overwhelmed with decisions. I was drawn to the BMgt program at UBCO because of the wide array of required courses which would expose me to different fields I may not have initially been interested in. I wanted to get a feel for all types of business so I could make an informed decision over what I wanted to pursue moving forward, and UBCO allowed me to do that. I was also intrigued by the ability to get a minor in certain programs that were completely unrelated to my bachelor’s degree. I have always loved psychology and wanted to study that heavily as well, so I had the opportunity to pursue that as a minor alongside my management studies, getting credit for something I am passionate about that also supplemented my business knowledge.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program so far?
A: My biggest takeaway is that it’s completely okay to not know what direction you’re headed initially, but that UBCO is here to support us while we make these overwhelming decisions about our future. I learned that I am capable of choosing the right path for me, even if it’s challenging to see at first. It took me the first few years of my bachelor’s degree to figure out what type of business I wanted to pursue, but by trying absolutely every topic imaginable, from marketing, to HR, to finance, to operations and sustainability, I was able to figure out what really motivates me. I guess I could say the biggest takeaway is that I learned about management here at UBCO, but I also learned about myself and what I want to do professionally, even if it took some time.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: I have found the most rewarding part of the management program to be the relationships I have formed with my professors. The small class sizes in third and fourth year have allowed me to connect with my instructors in a way that’s not possible at larger universities. Whether it’s needing extra help understanding course content, asking for a reference letter, or requesting to be their teaching assistant in the future, I feel comfortable going to my professors for assistance. I have been able to form relationships with industry professionals that have not only aided my learning throughout these last four years but will prepare me in my search for a job post-grad.
Q: What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
A: My advice to prospective students would be to take advantage of all the required courses, even if it’s something you’re not interested in, because you might end up loving something you had no intention of pursuing. Take the BMgt program as an opportunity to expose yourself to a well-rounded array of subjects and truly get a feel for what you are interested in, especially if you’re not sure yet, just like I felt coming into the program. Also, join clubs in the MSA – there are some amazing networking opportunities and relationships to be formed with fellow students and faculty, and the variety of business clubs is something so unique to the BMgt program.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: I am currently the Vice-President of Human Resources for the Finance Club. I became involved with the Finance Club because it allows me to combine my two passions in business, HR and Finance, while learning in a more informal social setting. Getting involved as an executive this year has shown me how important a network is in the finance industry, getting to work with a diverse group of like-minded students who also want to pursue finance careers. I also find the club valuable for learning what I enjoy about the finance industry and what I don’t like as much, plus I get to work with real professionals in the field and all the finance professors at the university. I also get to exercise my personal passion for event planning with all our amazing events, so that is a bonus!
Q: Are you or have you been in a co-op placement? If so, what was your role with that company?
A: I haven’t participated in the co-op program at UBCO, but I have completed three summer internships at Manulife Financial’s Global Headquarters in Toronto. I was a Group Retirements Intern there for all three summers, where I learned about investments, retirement plans, insurance, and the importance of financial planning. My role involved assisting clients with day-to-day administration of their savings plans, including depositing and withdrawing money, transferring funds between institutions, and setting up new accounts. My time at Manulife was invaluable to me, as it exposed me to the field I want to pursue after I graduate. I worked with colleagues all over the world, from Toronto to Manilla, and worked with clients all across North America, equipping me with real-world experience I can apply for the rest of my life. Manulife trusted me to handle issues independently and showed me the power of what a diverse team is capable of.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: After graduation, I want to combine my love for finance and human resources and work in compensation and benefits. I love finance, but I also am passionate about improving the lives of workers around the world, through the power of financial independence. Eventually I hope to secure my CHRP certification and a few other investment certifications as well, and work in benefit design and sales later on. I hope to land a job in my hometown of Vancouver, but I am also curious about working in a new place for a while, like Toronto, Boston, or New York. I am excited for the journey, having been equipped with the knowledge from the bachelor’s of management program.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: UBCO recently announced a brand new GoGlobal Seminar for MGMT 490, and as someone who recently returned from a global seminar over the summer, I think this is an incredible opportunity for students going into their fourth year. I took GEOG 353 in Portugal and Spain, where my professor allowed me to focus on Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Europe, and the real-world business experience I gained cannot be understated. Learning in the field alongside students allowed me to gain hands-on experience while forming lifelong friendships, and it’s something I cannot recommend enough to current students, and those considering the management program.
