It only took 10 seconds of courage for Egan Wong to discover his passion for marketing and content creation. A vibrant 4th-year Bachelor of Management student at UBCO, Egan is currently diving deep into the world of marketing through his co-op placement. His journey began as a Social Media Ambassador, where he uncovered his love for the creative side of business. Since then, Egan has embraced various opportunities—co-op placements and hands-on projects—that showcase his growing skills in marketing, HR, and teamwork. With a firm belief in stepping outside his comfort zone, Egan has thrived by taking on new challenges, building meaningful connections, and putting himself out there. Through both his academic and co-op experiences, Egan has gained valuable practical skills, boosted his confidence, and developed a clear vision for his future in marketing. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, persistence, and trusting the process.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: What drew me to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO was the perfect balance it offered between a high-quality education and an environment where I could truly grow. UBCO stood out to me because it provided high-level education without the intense competition found at UBC Sauder, allowing me better access to resources like co-op, clubs, and leadership opportunities. I saw it as the ideal foundation for my future career, especially as I realized that business management was the right path for me. I thrive in roles that involve connecting and collaborating with people, and I felt UBCO would help me develop the skills needed to become a future leader in my field.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the program so far?
A: The Bachelor of Management program has been a fantastic learning experience, guiding me toward my passion for marketing and HR while providing a strong foundation across various business areas. Through group projects from different business management courses, I’ve gained valuable skills in teamwork, adaptability, and communication, all of which have been essential in my academic and professional growth. Connecting with professors from different fields has also offered inspiring insights, helping envision my career and shape my goals. Additionally, as the Management program provides many different seminars and workshops, they have equipped me with many practical skills such as networking, resume-building, and LinkedIn strategies.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program so far?
A: The most rewarding part of the program has been discovering my passion for marketing and HR, which align perfectly with my strengths and career goals. Without the variety of courses, clubs and learning opportunities through the Management Program, I would take much longer to find my passion and calling. In addition, outside of the academics, I was able to build lasting friendships with classmates and peers which has created a supportive network that enriches both my academic and personal life. A standout experience was working on a project for a non-profit in my marketing class, MGMT 449 with Dr. Eric Li, which showed me the power of business to create positive change.
Q: What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
A: My biggest piece of advice for prospective students considering this program is to be confident and take that first step, even if it feels scary or nerve-wracking. It only takes 10 seconds of courage to do something that could make a huge difference—whether it’s asking a question, reaching out for help, or starting a conversation with a peer, professor, or professional. I used to be very shy and hesitant, often overthinking what others might think of me and holding myself back from opportunities. But I realized that worrying about others’ opinions only stopped me from growing. Taking that first step, even if it’s intimidating, has led to so many valuable experiences, whether it’s participating in group discussions, attending events, or simply connecting with people. It’s all about putting yourself out there and embracing the opportunities for growth that come with it. And if you make a mistake? So what! Everyone makes them, and people respect those who try and rectify their mistakes rather than those who stay silent.
Q: Can you share a bit about your experience as a Social Media Ambassador – what inspired you to apply? What did you enjoy the most and what did you learn?
A: My experience as a Social Media Ambassador allowed me to dive deeper into my passion for marketing and content creation. I’ve always been interested in social media as I like brainstorming content ideas, filming, and editing videos. So when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. A highlight of working as a Social Media Ambassador was collaborating with Riko, Abby, and Emily to film content, which was very fun and always a good laugh. I also enjoyed interviewing MGMT students from different years and learning about their unique experiences. Working with my supervisor, Cassandra, was equally rewarding. She was encouraging and provided valuable feedback that helped us improve our work. As a result, this role taught me that content creation is more than just filming—it requires extensive planning, coordination, and teamwork. Overall, this experience reinforced my passion for marketing and boosted my confidence in my creative abilities.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your co-op placements? What have been the greatest benefits of the co-op program so far? What were your most beneficial learnings from the co-op placements?
A: My current co-op at The MRG Group as a Hospitality Marketing Intern has been an amazing opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marketing. I create live social media content for Instagram and TikTok, manage content calendars, and send out promotional mailers for venues like Dublin Calling and The Yale Saloon. I also research city events, assist with lead generation, and help manage marketing budgets and ad campaigns. One of the most exciting aspects of the role is attending events like concerts and comedy shows while filming content, which makes my work both fun and dynamic. On a more serious note, this co-op experience has taught me valuable marketing strategies, including audience outreach and content management, while also allowing me to develop relationships with influencers. A key highlight of my internship is working with other interns to host a punk band showcase, called Freaks to the Front. Through this event, I’m gaining experience in talent acquisition, production management, and ticketing which has broadened my skills and knowledge. I am very thankful for this placement as it has reinforced my passion for marketing and deepened my understanding of event execution. I can confidently say that this is the career path I want to pursue.
Q: What advice would you share with someone considering doing a co-op?
A: If you’re considering a co-op, my advice is 100% go for it! There’s absolutely no downside. Co-op gives you the chance to discover what you truly want to do—and just as importantly, what you don’t want to do. That alone can give you a huge head start in your career journey. Plus, in today’s world, having real-world experience alongside your degree is just as important as the education itself. A co-op is a great way to apply all those theories you’ve been learning in class and turn them into actual skills that will serve you in the workplace. It’s also a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them, which is something that can really help you grow. And who knows? A co-op could even lead to a return offer, giving you a position after graduation. On top of all that, it’s an excellent way to build connections that could benefit your career long-term.
Q: What are your future career goals?
A: While I’m still figuring out the exact path I want to take, I know that marketing is where I want to be. I’m drawn to the fast-paced and creative nature of industries like fashion and entertainment, as I think they offer exciting opportunities to make an impact while having fun. My goal is to work for a big company that values creativity, innovation, and work-life balance. I want to find a role that challenges me, where I can continue to grow professionally and personally, while still maintaining time for myself outside of work.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: I truly believe it’s never too late to pursue something or figure out what you want to do. For me, I didn’t really know my direction until I started working as a Student Social Media Ambassador. That experience opened my eyes to the world of marketing and content creation, and it made me realize that sometimes, you just need to try things to discover what truly excites you. The beauty of this journey is that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away—just keep exploring and learning, and the path will unfold as you go.
