The Business Program That Appealed to the Non-Business Student
I always knew I wanted to study business. That being said, I had never taken a business course prior to university. Although I had very limited knowledge of the business world and hadn’t the faintest idea what life as a business student entailed, I was in love with the endless opportunities that came with a business degree. Business is the foundation of almost every aspect of the modern world and I was anxious to understand and be a part of it.
After touring many universities in Grade 12, Ivey’s program really captured my attention. I loved the idea of being in an interactive classroom that focused on participation and group projects. I knew that this would be an environment that I could thrive in and I was drawn to the tight student community that resulted from the structure of Ivey’s program. Though I knew I wanted to study business, I was also a very passionate English student. Having the opportunity to study English for my first two years and being able to pursue a duel degree if I chose was very appealing to me. I liked that I didn’t have to sacrifice either of my interests and could graduate with degrees in both disciplines within five years.
Despite my considerable interest in Western and Ivey, when it came time to apply for AEO status I had a few concerns. Firstly, I was worried that my lack of formal business education would hinder my chances of getting in. Secondly, the possibility of not being admitted into Ivey in my third year caused some anxiety. What if I wasn’t able to maintain an 80% average, what would I do then? Finally, I considered the possibility of realizing business wasn’t the program for me only after starting at Ivey. I dreaded the idea of being stuck in a program I did not enjoy. All these concerns raced through my mind when it came time to make a decision, but after much consideration, I was able to rationalize all my concerns and conclude that Ivey was the best program for me. In regards to having no formal business education, I had to remind myself that there were other students in the same position as me and that not every student applying for AEO would have extensive business knowledge. I mediated my second concern by considering that if I were to go to any other school and study business, students would be weeded out of the program for the first couple years. This also would require maintaining a relatively high average and graduating with a business degree was not guaranteed. Though my time at Western would be equally as challenging, once accepted into Ivey I knew there was nearly a 100% graduation rate and it would be more likely for me to graduate with a business degree. Finally, there was no way I could be certain if business was right for me having no prior experience with the subject. The opportunity to take pre-Ivey courses such as 1220 and 2257 however, reassured me that I would have plenty of time before Ivey to ensure that business was the path I wanted to follow.
Having reached the half way mark of my second year, I am so happy to have chosen Western. Not only have I made incredible friends and immensely enjoyed the pride associated with wearing a mustang sweater but, I have also deepened my passion for the English language and developed an uncontainable excitement for Ivey. Taking 1220 and making my way through 2257 has given me a steady introduction to the business world and has solidified that despite my prior lack of business education, an HBA remains the degree I wish to pursue.