Where are you from? What high school did you attend?
I’m from Arva, Ontario, and I attended Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School in London.
What was your Program of Study for Years 1 and 2?
Women’s Studies & Feminist Research (Dual degree)
List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.
Mentor & Program Facilitator for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Soph & Academic Portfolio Captain for the Off-Campus Orientation Team, Associate Vice-President of Events for the Arts & Humanities Students’ Council
Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?
My initial draw was the HBA’s excellent educational reputation. What confirmed that this was the right program for me was the second-level entry structure, and the opportunity to pursue a dual degree. Because of this, I have had a truly interdisciplinary undergraduate experience, having started Western as a Psychology major and ultimately ending with a dual degree in Business Administration and Women’s Studies, taking classes in economics, mathematics, and history along the way.
Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.
One highlight was serving as my section’s Ally@Ivey representative during the portfolio’s founding year. Ally@Ivey advocates for inclusion and educates on diversity in all its forms. As someone who is passionate about such issues, it was a privilege to work alongside my section’s executive team to ensure that my section-mates felt empowered to bring their unique selves to the classroom every day.
What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?
Look for the opportunities that speak to you personally. There is no shortage of resources available at Ivey, but it’s up to you to write your own story. You’d be surprised what opportunities open up to you when you just reach out, whether that is to alumni, professors, or HBA2/3s. Don’t be afraid to do so—or be afraid, and do so anyway. It’s worth it.
How has Ivey’s Career Management set you up for success?
Ivey’s Career Management teaches you how to best present yourself to new professional connections, as well as provides the bridge to those connections. During HBA1, Career Management supports you with everything from updating and professionalizing your resume, to learning the art of a great cover letter, to teaching you how to do that very scary activity of “networking”. Career Management gave me the tools to use to become a polished professional, and connected me with the opportunities where I could showcase this.
What kind of support did you find the most helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?
Ivey offers plenty of formalized support such as myHBA, the guru team, and academic counselling; however, my section-mates ended up being my biggest support system during HBA1. Since you are all going through the exact same intense experience, you become quite bonded and able to rely on one another. The intensity of the curriculum is matched only by the strength of the friendships made.
What has been the most challenging part of the program for you?
Putting my hand up—literally. I am naturally introverted, and although I do a pretty good job appearing more outgoing than I feel, contribution was a challenge for me. Fortunately, your professors & lecturers are very understanding and will work with you to develop a contribution strategy that best works for you. Having had the opportunity to develop this over the course of the HBA program, I am now comfortable speaking up even when it feels scary—a crucial skill in the professional world—and tackling challenges that I never thought possible before Ivey.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I will be joining Accenture as a Consulting Analyst in the Toronto office.
