Reflections on the Ivey Experience
I recently spoke with Emily Callahan and Jessica Francis, both HBA2 students about to graduate, and both of whom studied Media, Information, and Technoculture (MIT) prior to attending Ivey. Emily and Jessica were very involved during their time at Ivey: Emily was VP Social of her section in HBA1, and was the Senior Producer at Western TV. Jessica was involved with intramural volleyball at Western, as well as serving as VP Communications of the HBA Association. Lucky for me, these two Ivey students are also both my cousins and have been great resources as I have navigated my own AEO experience. I wanted to get their reflections and advice to share with other AEO students as they look to their own graduation from the program.
Why did you choose Ivey?
Emily: In high school, I enjoyed a range of subjects and was therefore not completely sure that I wanted to study business, which is why the Ivey AEO 2+2 model really appealed to me. I enrolled in MIT for the first two years at Western and really loved the content. Then, in speaking with others about their positive experiences at Ivey, I solidified my decision to transition to Ivey for 3rdyear and broaden my exposure to business courses.
Jessica: I had actually always wanted to pursue a business degree, as I felt it would offer a relevant and valuable educational background to so many fields. In fact, a key reason I would recommend Ivey to other students is that it creates so many paths and opportunities.
What was your experience like at Ivey?
Emily: First-year classes at Ivey are organized by sections, so you attend class and work with the same smaller cohort of students the entire first year. Prior to attending Ivey, I did not understand how important the sections are. They are critical to ensuring that you have a network of peers that foster support and a strong sense of connection to the Ivey program and community. I found my section to be composed of a great and well-rounded group of people; I know I can reach out to them in the future whether in the context of business or just as old classmates.
(Jessica’s father, John Francis, HBA’86, overheard our Zoom discussion about Ivey and briefly dropped in on our interview to share his own experience with the school)
John Francis: Back in my day, it was very much like it is now where you really got to know the people in your section. That sense of connection and community was so appealing to me and remains central to the Ivey experience. I studied science at Western for my first 2 years, and Business 2257 was the only business course I took. I came out of that course blown away by how interactive it was, and how engaged and involved you were expected to be in class. I found the format at Ivey to offer a totally different and transformative learning experience—it was not only intellectually stimulating, but fun! I loved the way my Ivey classes expected students to think about problem-solving, articulate their ideas, modify their insights, and share their findings and collaborate with their peers. Ivey’s model stresses active learning and it remains completely relevant for real business dealings.
Can you talk a little bit about the kind of learning and education that goes on at Ivey?
Jessica: The case method and the subsequent focus on class participation forces you to be actively engaged in everyclass. You almost have to prepare for each class as if it was a mini-exam since participation is such a big part of your mark. The preparation required each day is significant, but once you are in class the depth of learning is incomparable compared to attending a regular lecture. That level of class engagement builds confidence to articulate your ideas and to find your voice. I think these are skills everyone should have a chance to develop at university, and Ivey promotes them so strongly.
Emily: The expectation for learning at Ivey is really different. In my first and second year, I would go to Weldon for 4 or 5 hours to memorize terms or course content, but when it came time to study for Ivey exams I realized I had to take a new approach. The classes stress critical thinking to arrive at business decisions, and my own thinking had to change and adapt to each course and each case situation. It was not about rote learning but active and engaged thinking.
What surprised you about the Ivey program?
Jessica: I was expecting the majority of students to have a business background. While some do, the reality is that the composition of students is fantastically diverse—from arts, science, engineering programs, and others. Ivey does an amazing job of admitting people with a real breadth of academic backgrounds and this creates a really interesting and dynamic student group.
Emily: Because you have classmates with varied academic backgrounds, you also work with people who possess different approaches to learning and different perspectives on problem-solving. But everyone benefits from this range and diversity of experience.
If you had to give a piece of advice to someone entering Ivey, what would it be?
Jessica: Get involved! In HBA1, I applied and was selected to be my section’s Communications Rep, and Emily was VP Social for her section. Whether you participate in some way with your section or get involved with a club you are passionate about, getting involved is rewarding and a great way to feel part of the Ivey community. Also, use the Ivey network to learn about the range of career paths and opportunities that exist! Attend the events, engage with the program, and take it all in!
Emily: I agree that being actively involved with your section throughout the year is so rewarding and beneficial. There will be section events throughout the year and these are fabulous opportunities to connect with and get to know your peers outside of the classroom.
What is the one thing you think you can do to make the most of your Ivey experience?
Emily: Be open-minded! Ivey offers a unique learning experience so try to take advantage of it. You will get an awesome education, but to enrich the experience further, have an open mind and get involved in a variety of different ways, including ways you may not have expected.
Jessica: I went into Ivey O-week in HBA1 knowing only two people in my section. By the end of the week, I felt my circle of peers had grown to over 50 people. Go into the experience with an open mind, be active and involved, and be open to a rich learning experience and journey.