Interview: Hattie Zhou & Monta Shen – ARC Network
Tell me about yourselves.
Hattie: I studied economics for two years and am currently an HBA1 student. I’m interested in finance and enjoy dipping my feet in the stock market. I plan to start my own companies in the future.
Monta: I’m a third year Ivey student coming from two years of Actuarial Science. I currently work on two large projects aside from my academics study, leading the Western Piano Society, as well as co-leading ARC. I hope to one day go into corporate law.
What is ARC?
Monta: ARC, which stands for Achieving Real Capabilities, is a non-profit organization that focuses on giving students the opportunity to gain real-world business experience. We connect students with specific areas of expertise to local businesses in need of their services. ARC members will have the opportunity to volunteer and work on short-term projects in their areas of interest. The goal is to provide students with relevant work experience and allow them to stand out in the competitive job market. Currently, we are focusing on graphic design, web development, marketing, consulting, writing, and bookkeeping.
Where did you get the idea for ARC?
Hattie: Two summers ago, I travelled to South America on an economic trade mission, and that’s where I got the inspiration for the ARC Network. Before I could go on the trade mission, I needed to raise enough sponsorship to cover the cost of the trip. I cold-called over a hundred businesses to try to get money from them, and I realized the only way to do that was to offer these businesses something in return. So, I developed a pitch around different services I could provide if I traveled to South America, such as market intelligence reports, and eventually succeeded in raising the money I needed. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that students, while not professionals, still had a lot to offer and could provide value to businesses. We as students have all these skills, but because we are still in school, we have trouble finding opportunities to apply them. With this in mind, the idea of ARC naturally developed.
What was the most difficult obstacle you have encountered so far?
Hattie: The largest obstacle so far has been trying to work out our operational processes. Since many aspects of our operational structure were quite novel, we had to create the processes from scratch. We ended up adjusting our approach many times; but that’s the fun part about building an organization, and we now have a good process in place.
What are your goals for ARC?
Monta: Beyond the social goals of helping students develop professional skills and assisting in the development of local businesses, we hope to establish ourselves as a primary resource for both parties. We hope to create a network of students and businesses and provide mutually beneficial opportunities for both.
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective and current AEO students?
Hattie: Extracurricular and social experiences are definitely important, but also take the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Western has some great courses and awesome professors, so take advantage of the learning, and you’ll have a lot more to contribute while at Ivey.
Monta: Besides joining ARC, take the time to enjoy your first two years and explore new things. You won’t get the same amount of time in Ivey.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of ARC Network, make sure to check out the following websites:
http://www.arcnet.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/ARCNetworkInc
Also, keep an eye out for their launch which is taking place on Tuesday October 15th, 2013. It’s an event that you definitely do not want to miss!
Cheers,
Jennifer