At the UBC Faculty of Management, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students through this special Q&A series Celebrating the Class of 2025.
Each student represents a unique story of growth, resilience, and ambition, and we want to highlight the incredible diversity and talent within our academic community. This series offers a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped our grads, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed next. By sharing their insights and aspirations, the Faculty hopes to inspire others and showcase the impact our students are already making in the world of business.
What inspired you to choose UBC Okanagan and why the Management program?
I was drawn to UBC Okanagan because of its smaller class sizes and close-knit campus community. The more personal learning environment allows you to build meaningful connections with both peers and professors, which I’ve found to be incredibly valuable. I chose the Management program because it offers the flexibility to explore a range of business disciplines, like marketing and finance, which is especially helpful if you are still figuring out your path. The program gives you a well-rounded foundation while letting you discover what you’re most passionate about.
Outside the classroom, one of the biggest bonuses was the location: Kelowna is the perfect place for someone who loves the outdoors. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, hiking in the fall, or camping in the summer, the natural environment here helped me recharge and stay balanced throughout my degree.
What are some of your biggest takeaways from the Management program?
One of the biggest takeaways from the Management program is the idea that you get out what you put in. The program offers so many opportunities; whether it’s hands-on group projects or working directly with local businesses. But it’s really up to you to take initiative and engage fully with those experiences.
Another key takeaway is the importance of collaboration. Management at UBCO emphasizes teamwork, and that’s where a lot of the learning happens. You develop communication skills, learn how to work with different personalities, and figure out how to bring ideas to life as a group. That kind of experience is hard to teach from a textbook but absolutely essential in the real world.
What are some unique opportunities that being at UBCO presented to you, and how did you take advantage of them?
One of the most impactful opportunities I had was working as a videographer for the UBCO Heat over the past two years. I filmed home games and created social media content that highlighted the athletes and boosted student engagement. It gave me valuable hands-on experience in sports marketing, as well as in teamwork and project management.
I also spent two years as an executive with the Varsity Outdoors Club Okanagan (VOCO), where I helped manage social media and organize outdoor events like hikes and weekend trips. That role gave me experience in leadership, event planning, and community building, especially in making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for students.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I will be attending Columbia University, School of Professional Studies to pursue a Master of Science in Sports Management. I am spending one last summer here in Kelowna before moving to New York City this fall.
What advice would you give to current and future UBCO students?
The biggest advice I can give is to be patient: opportunities will come, even if you don’t see them right away. When I first arrived to UBCO, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career. I had just finished the equivalent of my first year in sciences (CEGEP, I’m from Quebec), and all I really knew was that I didn’t want to keep studying science. I chose the Management program because I felt it was a versatile degree, something that would be useful regardless of the path I ended up on.
Not long after, I saw that the Heat were hiring a videographer. I had done a bit of sports videography in the past, so I jumped on the opportunity. That role ended up being a turning point. It’s where I realized that working in sports could actually become a career, and that this was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.
Even in my final year, I still wasn’t sure what was next. I was applying for jobs but hearing very little back, and nothing seemed to be working. It was during that uncertain period that I had a conversation with my professor, Dr. Ying Zhu, who introduced me to the idea of doing a Master’s in Sports Management, something I had never even considered. Together, we found the program at Columbia. I applied, took the chance, and it ended up working out.
All of this to say: there will be moments when you feel unsure or stuck, and that’s okay.
Trust that the right opportunities will come if you stay open, curious, and patient. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away, just take the next step when it feels right.
Any parting words or anything else you would like to share?
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing professors I’ve had the privilege of learning from over the past few years. Your guidance, support, and passion for teaching have had a lasting impact on me, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything you’ve shared. I’m excited to stay connected and hope our paths cross again in the future.