Isabella Bravo’s portrait photo
Isabella Bravo’s journey into the realm of business and finance unfolds like a captivating narrative, brimming with unexpected twists and pivotal moments. Raised in an entrepreneurial environment, she found her ideal academic match in UBCO’s Bachelor of Management program, completing the storyline of her educational quest. As a member of the UBC Board of Governors, Isabella advocates for student interests with the tenacity of a seasoned debater, leveraging skills honed from local competitions to global platforms. Her role as Marketing Coordinator at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce showcased her marketing prowess, developed through diverse experiences in Nicaragua and managing her family’s hotel business. Looking ahead, Isabella aims to fuse her business education with legal expertise, pursuing a J.D./LLB and MBA to excel in corporate or financial law.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: Growing up, I was surrounded by business, as my parents are entrepreneurs. When it came time to apply to universities, I wanted a program that aligned with my goals and offered a well-rounded degree, especially since I am the first in my family to pursue post-secondary education. Discovering UBC’s Management program felt like finding what was missing in other universities’ program offerings. It isn’t just another business or commerce degree but a comprehensive blend of various specializations combined with academic and professional support from resources in the faculty, our student association (MSA), and many more. Although I have more to learn, the program has exceeded my expectations with its diversity, I now see it as the ideal stepping stone for my future education and career goals.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: My biggest takeaway from the Management program has been realizing how much there is to learn about the business world and how that learning is indefinite. Initially, I viewed the program as a foundation for a potential career in corporate law, expecting it to provide an overview of business management and operations. However, it turned out to be much more than I anticipated. I’ve learned how vast and dynamic the business world truly is, and due to this, I feel my courses have been tailored to these changes which has been incredibly helpful. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing how the program evolves with global changes, such as the significant shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and how companies responded. I believe being ready for change is one of the best things I could have learnt in my program.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The most rewarding part of the program has undoubtedly been the connections and networking opportunities. I’ve met incredible people—peers, TAs, and professors—who have made a significant impact on my growth over the past three years. These relationships have brought me closer to my future goals, offering invaluable guidance and advice along the way. I’m also grateful to be part of a faculty that emphasizes building strong, supportive connections, and fostering an environment where we can all help each other succeed.
Q: What advice or insight would you give a prospective student considering the program?
A: If you’re considering this program, dive in with an open mind and be ready to engage fully. The Management program is incredibly diverse in its courses and electives, which can support your current business goals or inspire new ones. There’s a saying that people often fear what they don’t understand, and I believe this applies to students hesitant to explore within their program once they’re in it. With that said, this is your sign to register for that challenging course, attend that workshop, and take full advantage of the various specializations offered by the Faculty of Management. Overall, it is an excellent program that will equip you with skills and experiences beneficial for any future goal.
Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations on-campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: Yes, I’ve been actively involved in several clubs. Specifically, I’ve held executive positions in the MSA (Management Student Association) through the Marketing Club, to provide students with resources and support professionally, and the Weightlifting Club, to meet students who share the same passion as me. My involvement was driven by a desire to enhance my university experience, develop leadership skills, and of course, connect with like-minded individuals who share my interests Additionally, I’m involved in entrepreneurship@UBCO as part of a venture cohort with a start-up founded by my peers and me, called RentalHunt. It is an automated and verified marketplace which came from the need to streamline the rental search process, making applications safer and more efficient, especially for students. e@UBCO is an excellent resource for students interested in entrepreneurship but unsure where to start. They offer programs tailored to assist specific needs and guide students on their entrepreneurial journey.
Q: What inspired you to become involved with the UBC Board of Governors? Can you share a bit about your experience?
A: I’ve always had a passion for leadership and helping others. This drive led me to discover debate in middle school, and despite initially losing, I persevered and competed internationally. At UBC, I expressed my leadership by engaging in student clubs, founding a start-up with peers, and eventually nominating myself for the UBC Board of Governors. When I first found the opportunity, I doubted how attainable this goal was but I am glad I had the instinct to take on a difficult feat and work hard to obtain it. Going into my second year after being re-elected, I can say that the experience has been much different than anything I have ever been a part of. More than anything, representing students and bringing their ideas, concerns, and overall needs to the forefront was my biggest reason and motivation in this role. The opportunity to oversee a renowned institution like UBC alongside a team of incredibly skilled leaders has taught me a lot about university governance and the real-world applications of larger-scale management connecting to my course learning. In our work on the Board, I am currently part of three major committees People, Community, and International; Governance; and Learning and Research. Through these committees and the general Board meetings we were able to accomplish many things this year focusing on expanding funding for food affordability initiatives; increasing the student awards budget by $6 million (totalling $156 million this year); significant work on the Housing Action Plan and Campus Vision 2050; and so much more. The most rewarding aspect of this experience is seeing our initiatives for UBC’s growth come to life.
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 yet, but I worked full-time as a Marketing Coordinator at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce during the summer of 2022. This role allowed me to leverage my previous experience in marketing and communications from freelancing in Nicaragua and managing marketing for my family’s hotel business.
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: Although my experience at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce wasn’t through the co-op program, it was incredibly rewarding. Chambers of Commerce plays a vital role in any growing city, and being part of the team driving Canada’s fastest-growing business community was an invaluable experience. For students without prior business experience, I highly recommend joining the UBC co-op program. It provides practical experience and helps you apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, equipping you with the skills needed to secure a suitable job.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: I aim to continue my education by pursuing a J.D./LLB and an MBA. My greater goal is to become an attorney and establish my own firm. The advantage of the Management program is that it is very flexible in career opportunities, which will help me merge my business interests with my legal aspirations, as I plan to specialize in corporate or financial law in the future. With this said, I am not opposed to any other opportunities that might shift my path as long as it aligns with my interests in business, governance and law.
Q: Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
A: Remember to enjoy the journey. As students, we often come with the mindset of solely focusing on obtaining a degree, but it’s important to be patient with the process and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth along the way. It’s perfectly fine to take your degree step by step, even if it takes a bit longer. Embrace chances for improvement; eventually, this will pay off, setting you apart from others in the future. Make the most of every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because that’s the most rewarding and exciting part.
Isabella Bravo with the UBC Board of Governors