Jessica Stirling’s journey in business began with a clear ambition to find her place in the professional world. Starting her Bachelor of Business Administration at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she quickly discovered her passion for collaboration and personal growth, which ultimately led her to transfer to UBCO’s Bachelor of Management program. Embracing the multidisciplinary approach and welcoming community, Jessica found an ideal environment to refine her skills, build meaningful connections, and grow as a leader. Now in her final year, she aspires to combine her expertise in event planning and digital marketing with her passion for giving back by working for the Canadian Cardiovascular Society—a goal inspired by her own childhood experiences overcoming a cardiovascular condition.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: I have always been confident in my desire to pursue a career in business to discover my place in the professional world. Initially, I began my Bachelor in Business Administration at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Lower Mainland. However, after learning about the Bachelor of Business Management program here at UBC Okanagan, I was immediately drawn to its unique offerings. Everything about this program resonated with me as an ideal fit – from the multidisciplinary approach to the opportunities it provides for both professional and personal growth. Moreover, the transfer process was very seamless, and I was welcomed with open arms to this new community. The stunning natural beauty of the Okanagan combined with the enriching culture of this cherished program offers an environment where I can grow alongside fellow students and build meaningful connections that foster professional success.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program so far?
A: Now that I find myself in my final year, I can confidently say that the structure of this program has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of core business principles ranging from behavioural leadership to complex financial analysis. Above all, I think the Management program has truly helped me break out of my shell and given me the ability to walk into any profession with confidence in myself. Collaboration is a skillset that cannot be taught through books and videos, it must be practiced. This program is designed in such a way that working collaboratively with other students is implemented in nearly every course and activity and I now know that I can work alongside any person in an efficient, professional, and equitable manner.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The most rewarding part of my whole educational journey here at UBCO has been the confidence in myself that I’ve gained along the way. Over the past four years, I have achieved milestones I never envisioned to be possible all thanks to the program’s opportunities both in the classroom and it’s extra curriculars. For instance, designing a fully functional IT system after three months of work and presenting it to a classroom of 300 people and 4 Kelowna Angel investors is an experience that I will never forget. As for extra curriculars, I have learned the art of public speaking, something that I once avoided at all costs. The transformative experience of realizing you can achieve what felt impossible has changed my outlook on every challenge I face. A growth-mindset is an intangible asset and something every individual deserves to experience. Learning what you are capable of is not only surprising but deeply empowering.
Q: What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
A: If I could restart my time at UBCO, the first thing I would do is get involved in the Management specific opportunities that exist, such as MSA clubs, events, and networking activities. Those first couple years of any degree can feel overwhelming, but now that I am in my final year, I realize that getting involved has given me the most rewarding experiences of my time here. As cliché as it sounds, your years here at UBCO will fly by without a moment to catch up. My biggest piece of advice for any prospective student is this: putting yourself out there will never hurt, it will only benefit you. Even if it doesn’t go as expected, it will work to shape you into the person you will become. Most of the time, it will only help you find community, purpose, and perhaps that passion you’ve been searching for.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: I currently serve as the VP Marketing of the MSA Finance Club, and I am a recurring volunteer for the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) at UBCO. I was inspired to begin volunteering with SVPRO as I believe resources of this nature are the single most important things on a university campus and I knew I wanted to be a part of creating a safer and supportive environment. Being a consent ambassador and going through the volunteer training has been one of the most personally impactful experiences of my time here, equipping me with the knowledge to empower our campus community. As VP Marketing and Creative Director for the Finance club, I have gained invaluable professional skills, including digital design, social media marketing, event planning, and interpersonal communication. I was inclined to join this club as I knew I wanted to put myself out there and join my peers within the MSA to contribute meaningfully to a collaborative and inspiring team environment. Moreover, financial literacy is so often overlooked in the education of young people, and I wanted to create more free opportunities for students of all programs, ages, and backgrounds to become more financially confident.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: My career aspirations have evolved significantly over time, reflecting my varied interest and growing skillset. While I once considered careers in healthcare, engineering, finance, and marketing, my experiences in the Management program have provided me with clarity and focus. I can now say that my current goal is to work for the Canadian Cardiovascular Society in planning charitable events and digital marketing. This aspiration is deeply personal to me as I overcame a cardiovascular deficit during my childhood. It was a challenging experience that instilled the desire to give back to the healthcare community. The Management program has provided me with the skills to be free to combine my passion towards events and marketing with the personal dynamic of giving back.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: I want to emphasize the importance of extending grace to yourself throughout your academic, personal, and professional journey. It is natural to compare yourself to those around you and feel as though everyone else has a perfectly laid-out plan, knowing for certain what is next. Realize that most people much like yourself, are continuously learning, evolving, and navigating their paths as they go. Changing your minor or switching directions isn’t a setback; it is one step further towards discovering who you are, what you care about, and the future you wish to create. University is not merely a means to an end but a unique opportunity for intellectual and personal growth. In truth, growth often comes from embracing the uncertainty of what comes next; moreover, the BMgmt program will support you every step of the way. Allow yourself to take risks and fail as you work to build the life you envision. Approach this new and exciting journey with an open mind, take advantage of the opportunities that surround you, and trust yourself to overcome challenges to find your purpose. Everything will work out in the end because there simply is no other option.
