What, Like It’s Hard? How Ivey Women in Management Redefines Success

Sharp, tailored suits. A line of identical black padfolios. Sweaty collars, heavy breath, and the same eager LinkedIn messages.

The field of business can often be perceived as uptight and rigid, breeding imposter syndrome or constant anxieties about future opportunities. Carrie McCowan and Joanne Shao aren’t strangers to the common worries that many business students face. It was one of the driving factors behind their decision to join WIM as HBA1 section leaders last year, as both sought to build connections and find a welcoming community of other female students. Now leading the club as co-presidents, they dedicate their effort to creating unique, memorable spaces where Ivey students can feel empowered.

WIM’s primary goal is to build true intimacy in an industry where connections can too often be surface-level and competition for coveted roles is fierce. Their mentorship program pairs HBA1 students with upper years based on shared interest and industry experience, which is especially beneficial for Ivey students from non-business backgrounds.

“We really try to diversify [our events] for students so they can get a little taste of everything,” says McCowan. From WIM’s finance-centered firms trip to their upcoming marketing initiatives, the club’s events aim to foster intersectional thinking, contrasting other business clubs that focus on specific workshops relevant to their central industry. This year’s From Potential to Power Conference offered a myriad of workshops, speaker presentations, and networking sessions that, McCowan says, “focused on equipping their members with both the soft skills and the network to support their career search.”

Last year, McCowan found herself plagued by career uncertainty, yet found a sense of community through WIM. Now, as co-president, she hopes to offer that same reassurance to others. .Last semester, the club held an HBA1/2 open networking event allowing younger students to learn from the experiences of others and acquire specific insights into their previous career paths. The event, McCowan says, aimed to address the common fears of third year students, reinforcing the idea that everyone starts somewhere.

“I feel like everyone who has come to a WIM event has left with some sense of ‘I feel good about myself,’” Shao adds. That sentiment of reassurance serves as a grounding force amidst the competitive and cutthroat elements of the business industry. Shao mentioned the memorable conversations and insightful workshops that WIM provides as a key factor to her career successes, enabling her to broaden her connections and tangibly develop her leadership skills.

Looking ahead, WIM hopes to collaborate with other women-centered clubs across the greater Western campus to expand the scope of their impact on students. Shao and McCowan aim to create a cohesive network that strengthens student relationships and fosters mentorship across various industries.

While the business world may never lose its intimidating edge, the sisterhood that WIM fosters gives its members something far more valuable than any textbook—the ability to both celebrate the wins and weather the storms alongside a supportive community.